How to eat seasonally and support local growers
Recently, I began additional training on Nutrition, and one of the resources shared was a comprehensive tool on how to find food grown in your state by season.
Seasonal Food Guide, is dedicated to sharing information on produce available in the US throughout the year. It offers a breakdown by state, produce, and month, including specific times within the month. You can learn about the benefits of eating seasonally, as well as find connections to resources such as CSAs and recipes.
By incorporating more locally sourced foods into your diet, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh, flavorful ingredients while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system for the future. When you purchase local foods in season from nearby farms, your money goes directly to the farmers. Plus, produce that is local and in season just tastes better.
Depending on your location, locally sourced, seasonal food may not always be readily available. However, by utilizing the Seasonal Food Guide, you can also determine the proximity of nearby food options. Personally, I acknowledge that I can make improvements in my own habits seasonally, as I often consume produce based on my cravings rather than what is in season, but it is important to take small steps towards enhancing our own health and supporting the well-being of the region.
Growing up and living in Oregon, we are fortunate to have some excellent areas for growing produce. Although I don't live in one of those prime areas, I have had success with a few crops.
This week, we have been spending our evenings in the garden picking raspberries, harvesting fresh greens for salads, and checking on the progress of the peas and zucchini, which should be ready soon. Many of us are eagerly anticipating the ripening of the peaches, and I am curious to see if the squash varieties I planted will produce.
Here are some more benefits of eating by the season:
Nutritional Value: Foods that are grown locally are usually harvested when they are at their peak ripeness, preserving their nutritional value. By eating fresh, locally grown produce, you can enjoy a greater nutrient density and antioxidant content, which can help improve your overall health.
Food Safety: Purchasing local foods typically offers more transparency regarding how your food is grown, raised, and processed. By connecting directly with local farmers and producers, you can inquire about farming practices and make well-informed choices about the food you eat.
Cultural Preservation: By supporting local food producers, you help preserve the food heritage and cultures that contribute to the unique identity of a community.
Health Coaching can help you navigate how to change your diet by crowding out sugar and adding in more nutritional foods like vegetables. One of my favorite topics is discussing the connection between food and the benefits they provide. If you are looking to eat and cook more seasonally, increase your nutritional intake with fruits and vegetables, and support your community, then reach out and we will work together to create habits towards this goal.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
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