It's Time to Eat Seasonally
Today I was chatting with an MD about American eating habits. The internist emphasized the amount of processed foods in many American diets and the affect on well-being. The conversation really got me thinking about the travesty of processed foods and how we frequently overlook healthy, simple foods like fruits and vegetables. Eating seasonally, (and I don't mean a Dairy Queen blizzard of the month) makes you feel better and look better. It's that simple. But it becomes more difficult because preparing a healthy meal takes forethought and energy--something that our busy lives sap. We are also bombarded and surrounded by easy, not-so-healthy choices (pasta bread bowl, anyone?)
Despite the challenges, this is the time of year to embrace fresh produce and commit to filling your diet with minimally processed foods. Spring and summer months are the easiest time of year for a diet makeover because of the abundant variety and superior quality of many fruits and vegetables. I fear that many Americans don't even realize which fruits and veggies are actually in-season at a given time.
I urge you to stop by your local farmers market and pick up some fresh strawberries (in season now!) or lettuce, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cherries, blueberries...yum! Many of these foods can be eaten with very minimal preparation, and eating seasonally saves money.
Even the first family has endorsed the slow-food movement by planting an organic vegetable garden at the White House. And a couple of weeks ago the Obamas had dinner at Blue Hill restaurant in New York City. It is the sister restaurant to a working farm in Westchester, NY that features local, fresh foods. I feel like if it is good enough for the Obamas then it is good enough for me :)
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