It’s spring! Time to let go of winter’s heavy clothes and foods! We are beginning to see the fresh veggies of spring in many of our local food stores. There are even a few farmer’s markets beginning to open up or may be all year round!
As a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Personal Fitness Chef, I am always on the lookout for the freshest foods I can find. As a vegetarian fitness chef, that means fruits and veggies, whole grains and some dairy including local cheeses and butter.
Here’s a link to help you get started. It will give you the local farmer’s markets, if any, in your area.
https://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/
Start off with Farmer’s Market 101. Buy it when you see it. If you’ve found your fave veg or fruit, grab it when you can Then move on and try something new! I always look for organic and the vendor will be happy to comply yay or nay. I buy my fresh veggies for 3-4 days at a time. Be sure to check for any nicks, bruising or rotten spots. I find a list is a good way to stay on track, most of the time, when buying at a Farmer’s Market. There can be veggie/fruit overload and the foods you came to purchase may not be a consideration.
Now that you’ve got your bounty, be sure to clean it and prepare it for the days ahead. I do not peel most veggies as many of the nutrients are in the skin. Fresh asparagus and baby carrots are delicious roasted with a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper! Peas taste great blanched in salted water, if you can eat salt, for a few minutes. Baby greens need a quick rinse and drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
So many fresh, delicious choices at the farmer’s market. I hope yours is open for business! 🙂
Can’t find a local farmer’s market? If you’re lucky like me to have a local farm store, check out the seasonal varieties of fruits and veggies. If not, get to know the produce delivery and manager of your local food store. Many larger stores are upping their fresh produce game to attract more customers. Take advantage of specials when you can. If all else fails and you can’t find fresh produce, frozen is second best. Most frozen foods are frozen at the peak of ripeness and many companies have expanded their veggie and fruit choices.
If you would like to learn how to make healthier food choices, click Contact Me to sign up for my pantry makeover/smart shopping sessions. It’s a great way to see what you are eating now and begin to incorporate healthier choices. As I like to say, “fresh is best”! 🙂
*Disclaimer:
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Kim Gerhardt, Certified Health Coach, does not take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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