Eat fresh! Feel good!

Eating fresh does not have to be expensive or hard. There are so many fruits and vegetables in season and available at local farmer’s markets, grocery stores or you can even plant now to keep eating fresh produce through late summer and early fall.

What are the benefits of eating fresh?

Fresh fruits and veggies are full of vitamins and minerals to help keep you healthy and energized.
These foods are loaded with fiber, which fills you up and helps your digestion.
Veggies and fruits reduce risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.
Fresh produce is often called nature’s fast food because they are easy to prepare and eat!
You can save money! Eat more veggies with a goal to fill half of your plate. Also, produce is usually less expensive and leftover veggies can be frozen.

What’s in season now?

Lima beans, pole beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, butter lettuce, zucchini, beets, apricots, cantaloupe, blackberries, garlic and lots more!

Plan to grow:

Decide if you want to start with a small container or in the ground.
Pick a sunny spot for certain vegetables, or a shady spot for leafy greens.
Check your soil: Is there good drainage? Does your soil need some TLC with the addition of compost or manure?
Find out what you can plant in June and July, and source seeds or small plants.
Draw with your child what you want the garden to look like.

Don’t wait for the fall crops to come in. Appoint your child as sous chef to help in the kitchen now:

Give your child a shopping list when visiting the store or farmer’s market.
Put your kids in charge of washing all fruits and vegetables.
Teach your child how to handle knives properly and oversee dicing and cutting.
Research kid-friendly recipes together and plan mealtimes.
Let the kids sprinkle herbs or other seasonings onto vegetables.

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