Eating Seasonally

Many traditional health cultures, like Ayurveda, advocate for eating seasonally as the best and healthiest way to go. In this style of eating, your body syncs up with nature by consuming only the freshest and most nutritious foods. This mindset is not just theory, there is scientific evidence that supports the benefits of seasonal eating.

Foods consumed in season contain the most nutrients and are undoubtedly the most delicious. Plants get their nourishment from the sun and soil, and seasonally fresh produce is picked only when they are ripe and fully developed. This allows for a juicy, crisp and colorful piece of produce, which contains the highest level of nutrients and antioxidants. For an added benefit, buy local produce! Foods grown locally are picked at their prime and have less time to degrade as the produce makes its way to your plate. Other studies show that foods grown locally have a significantly higher level of essential vitamins.

In addition, seasonal produce can grow without much human intervention in the form of pesticides and genetic modifications. These toxic compounds can contaminate the water and soil, degrading our environment and our health. On the contrary, foods grown out of season require the use of human assistance, waxes, chemicals and preservatives. By choosing local and seasonal produce, you are more likely to get a cleaner and more nutritious product.

The natural cycle of produce is perfectly designed for our health. In the springtime, leafy greens are in season, helping us to alkalize, detox and lose some pounds after a long winter of heavy, rich foods. The summer months provide us with cooling foods such as berries, fruits and cucumber watermelon, which help to keep us hydrated and refreshed. In the fall, we can look forward to apples, which are the perfect transition food into winter. Building a diet around the seasons helps to activate the body’s natural healing process. So, what are you waiting for! Sign up for a farm share through Cosmic Apple Gardens and get the freshest produce available on a weekly basis. Want to start eating seasonally immediately? Grab your reusable bags and hit up Lucky’s and Jackson Whole Grocer for the best produce in season.

Here is a list of the best spring produce to help guide you toward better health!

Spring vegetables

  • Peas
  • Radishes
  • Asparagus
  • Arugula
  • Spinach
  • Artichokes
  • Spring onions or chives
  • Leeks
  • Green beans
  • Carrots

Spring Fruits

  • Apricots
  • Rhubarb
  • Strawberries
Posted in

Tory Cameron

Tory is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, working at the Meno Clinic in Wilson, WY. As a former Bostonian, she moved to Wyoming simply to ski some of the world's best terrain. Although the mountains brought her here, it was the people and aura of Jackson itself that has convinced her to stay. Tory takes full advantage of the outdoor access here in Jackson, spending most of her time trail running, mountain biking and skiing. Follow along for yummy recipes and healthy living ideas!

Terra
Tom Evans
Haagen Dazs