No matter where you live, odds are, you’ve experienced the changing of seasons.
You may notice that as the seasons change you start to crave different foods. When the weather gets warm, you may find yourself reaching for cooler foods, like salads, sushi, and ice cream. When the temperatures plunge, you may find yourself seeking out soups, stews, and more hearty meals.
These natural shifts in our diets are not something to be ignored. Eating seasonally, is a great way to make good food decisions all year long.
What Is Seasonal Eating?
Seasonal eating means seeking out the foods that are naturally in season in your area. While that doesn’t mean that you have to forgo your beloved avocado toast in the winter, it does require a bit of planning and a bit of flexibility.
How To Eat Seasonally
Depending on where you live, what is seasonally available to you will vary. Knowing what is seasonally available in your area is just a quick google search away.
However, there are a few standards every season that you can easily stick with!
Summer
- Raspberries & Strawberries
- Cherries
- Apricots
- Rhubarb
- Beetroot
- Asparagus
- Squash
- Zucchini
- Green Beans
- Spinach & Lettuce
Fall/Autumn
- Blackberries
- Pears
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
Winter
- Citrus Fruit
- Cranberries
- Kale
- Chard
- Pumpkin
- Parsnips
- Turnips
- Chestnuts
Spring
- Spring Greens
- Radishes
- Asparagus
- Watercress
- Potatoes
- Broad Beans
Benefits of Eating Seasonally
Major Money Saver
Eating seasonally doesn’t have to put a dent in your grocery bill! When you choose seasonal produce, you are getting the freshest of the fresh! Because that produce is growing in abundance, it is usually offered at a cheaper, or sale rate! Keep your eyes open when you reach for out of season produce, it will likely be way more expensive than those in season goods, and has likely been stored in freezers for months.
Eating The Rainbow – Get More Vitamins & Minerals
When you eat seasonally you will actually eat a wider variety of fruits and veggies. That can be incredibly beneficial for your overall health. In season produce is packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help to keep you going and help to keep your body in top shape.
Supports Local Farmers
When you buy locally grown produce that is in season, that money stays in your community. Living in a strong community is super important to our everyday health and wellness, so supporting that community with your dollars and cents will only help it grow.
Not only does your community benefit here, but your environment does too! A lot of produce travels long distances to get to your local grocery store which contributes to polluting the environment!
You don’t need to go crazy switching up your entire food routine. The next time you do your meal planning or hit the grocery store, try adding a few seasonal fruits and veggies to your list. You may find a new favorite food and you will absolutely add more nutrients to your diet.
It’s FREE