Eating Seasonally

Eating seasonally means consuming foods that are local to your area, at a given time of year. When you eat in season, you eat with what nature has intended you to consume to nourish your body at that time of year. For example, we all know we tend to gain a little weight during the colder months, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing (depending on the source of the weight gain). Our body's are designed to store fat in the winter, we need the extra insulation, the protection of vital organs and ability to sustain ourselves. We need foods that support this. Foods that are higher in carbohydrates, warming and more substantial (think root vegetables, apples, pears, squash, chestnuts, mushrooms, nuts and seeds, brussel sprouts).
In the summer we need the opposite. We need cooling foods that are hydrating, light and are less likely to cause us weight gain (think berries, melons, leaf lettuce, cherries).

By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And it simply tastes better!