The key? Shop seasonal, local and frozen foods!
Shop seasonal
Eating vegetables and fruits in-season provide us more nutrition and more flavour.
On the contrary, products that are not in season undergoes different stages like early picking, cooling, and heating which considerably reduces their nutrition, and taste!
Plus, I recently learned that our bodies are made to eat seasonally.
Over winter, these fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C which help with wellness during the flu and cold season:
Citrus fruit, such as oranges
Peppers (red pepper specifically)
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Potatoes
Over summer, some fruits contain vitamins that help protecting our skin against sun damage;
Peaches
Nectarines
Watermelon
Berries (strawberries, raspberries)
Tomatoes
To sum up, eating fruits and vegetables in season provides your body with necessary nutrients appropriate for each season, over the year and they have more flavour. Shop in season is beneficial for the planet and our health!
Shop local
The selling cycle is shorter (from the moment vegetables and fruits are picked to the moment they reached our table) which is better for our health, the environment and your wallet!
Buying from farmers market allows you to buy some fresh and organics products which are cheaper than in the supermarket as there is no intermediary. Plus, it’s a great way to spend your Sunday morning, enjoying a nice walk while shopping great food for the week (you can also avoid plastic bags by bringing your own!).
If you want to gain time, online grocery retailers like Riverford and Oddbox, are working with farmers to bring fresh local foods. The vegetable box once a week could be a good alternative to supermarket! Further, you have a nice range of season vegetables that you can try!
When I turned to a plant based diet, I challenged myself once a week to buy an unknown vegetable and fruit and make a recipe with it.
Ready to take the challenge? The more variety your diet is, the better!
It’s a super easy way to support your community and local farmers.
Buy frozen foods
There is a misconception about frozen vegetables and fruits, contrary to what we think, frozen foods tend to have more vitamins and minerals compared to fresh ones. A part of vitamins and minerals from fresh foods is lost over time while freezing preserves nutrients.
In general, frozen foods retain vitamins and minerals and doesn’t change the level of carbohydrate, protein and fat amount.
Another benefit from frozen foods is that they are cheaper to buy and you can keep them for longer. It’s a win, win situation!
"Our bodies need real, fresh food to maintain health". - Louise Hay
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