Worried About Your Nutrition?

Balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of health and wellness. Eating minimally processed foods, fruits, and vegetables is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding metabolic syndrome, preserving muscle, and countless other health benefits. While this is common knowledge, execution is easier said than done. Fresh fruit and vegetables are sometimes more expensive than ultra-processed foods. If the food is out of budget, families will struggle to get a healthy supply of vitamins and minerals. This increases the risk of chronic disease or vitamin deficiencies in children and adults. Despite these challenges, there is a solution. Choosing local and seasonal produce can help families meet simple nutritional needs.

The challenge with eating healthy

Eating healthy can be difficult for American families. Whole food stores and organic markets charge prices that many cannot afford, especially with inflation. Furthermore, some communities are considered food deserts, with limited access to institutions with healthy options. Even when there are opportunities to purchase fresh food, transportation can be limited. Eating healthy food from a social perspective is also more difficult today than ever. Ultra-processed foods are formulated to be easier to prepare, last longer, and provide more dopamine spikes. These foods are aggressively marketed while the nutritional benefits of different fruits and vegetables are overlooked, leading to less motivation to consume. The numerous barriers do not dissuade medical and dietary experts from encouraging healthy eating, including fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and seeds.

Why eat local and seasonal produce?

Eating green or organic is possible by finding local farmers at farmer's markets or online. Many farmers can provide larger quantities at a lower cost per pound. Some even provide delivery. Instead of choosing fruits and vegetables that are harder to source and more expensive, consider seasonal options. Local and seasonal produce are more abundant, which drives down prices. Buying locally also cuts out the middleman. Fruits and vegetables in season are also fresher, tastier, and packed with more nutrients. Best of all, the community can support local farmers, which sustains the local economy and helps with fair pricing. Consider swapping out meals with local or seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farmers. Collaborate with friends and family to buy and share produce in bulk to save even more.

Benefits of nutrient-dense eating

Eating healthy means ensuring the daily diet contains sufficient vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats for optimal health. Ideally, these should come from organic or minimally processed foods. Nutrient-dense eating is ideal for energy and vitality. People with healthier diets are more focused, have more energy, and can work longer hours without crashing. Leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits provide the foundation for a strong immune system, optimal hormones, and a healthy weight. Individuals who eat solely nutrient-dense foods are less likely to have chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Eating healthy now can save thousands in medical costs, help avoid chronic pain, and promote a more fulfilled quality of life.

Buy local, buy seasonal, feel amazing

Optimal nutrition is the foundation for health. Yet, accessing foods, fruits, and vegetables required is an ongoing challenge. Cost is a major factor, as fruits and vegetables are sometimes more expensive and harder to acquire than processed foods. The solution is to buy locally from farmers, cutting out the middleman. Opting for seasonal fruits and vegetables also reduces costs and increases the quantity of high-quality foods. Taking these steps can allow families to achieve nutritious foods within budget.