As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, many of us start to think about fresh fruits and vegetables. But did you know that eating foods that are in season can have benefits for your health, the environment, and even your free cash? In this newsletter, we'll explore why it's important to eat seasonal foods and how you can make it a part of your healthy eating habits.
Firstly, eating seasonally can have a positive impact on your health. When foods are in season, they are fresher and more nutrient-dense. This means that they contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For example, in the spring you'll find plenty of leafy greens, asparagus, and strawberries - all of which are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.
Secondly, eating seasonally can be better for the environment. When we choose to eat foods that are grown locally and in season, we're supporting local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint of our food. Foods that are out of season often need to be transported long distances - think blueberries flown in from Chile and wherever else they come from. By choosing foods that are in season, we're also supporting sustainable agriculture practices that can help protect the planet.
Lastly, eating seasonally can be more cost-effective. When foods are in season, they are typically more abundant and therefore cheaper. This means that you can enjoy a wider variety of fresh and healthy foods without breaking the bank. Additionally, when you choose to eat locally grown foods, you're supporting the local economy and reducing the cost of transportation, which can also help keep prices lower. Head to your local markets, farmers markets, fruit and veg shops rather than the big chains and see what they have and ask them what's due and when, they'll love to chat and share their knowledge with you.
So how can you make eating seasonally a part of your healthy eating habits? One easy way is to shop at your local farmers' market or join a community-supported agriculture group. These options allow you to connect directly with local farmers and get fresh, seasonal produce that's often organic and free from harmful pesticides. You can also do some research on what foods are in season in your area and plan your meals around those ingredients. This can help you get creative in the kitchen and try new recipes that highlight the flavours and nutrients of seasonal foods.
Even better, try growing your own, start with herbs because they're really simple and easy to grow. I've got baby chard on the go at the moment in the conservatory, the leaves go in to my smoothies, I pick them off every morning, and pop a new seed in the soil when I'm getting low to have a continuous supply.
Let's support our local businesses, farms agriculture, and make use of our own spaces by growing our own!
Author: Amanda Robinson dipCNM, ANP, UKHCA. Amanda is a qualified health coach who graduated with a health coach diploma from the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. A member of the UK Health Coach Association and Association of Naturopathic Practitioners. She is the founder of Health Steps www.healthsteps.co.uk. If you would like to chat with Amanda about how she can help you with your Health and Wellness you can email her at amanda.robinson@healthsteps.co.uk
