A few days ago I was at the library and I accidentally discovered my local farmer's market that was in an open area next to the library. I must confess that this was my first experience being at a farmer's market. I wondered around and noticed that there were basically the same fruits and vegetables for sale. Obviously, the items offered were what's in season. In my part of the world, at this time of the year I saw an abundance of broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, blueberries, strawberries, plums, among other things. I wasn't planning to shop and I didn't have my menu and shopping list for the coming week so I was just window shopping but I eventually picked up broccoli, cauliflower and blueberries.
As you may know, there is a movement to eat locally and seasonally. There are several good reasons to do so, but I never really paid much attention to it.
However, this experience led me to explore the possible weight loss benefits of eating locally and seasonally. Have you noticed that the foods that contain more water are in season in the spring and summer? Perhaps it's nature's way to help us shed some pounds from the long winter. Or the foods that are available in the fall and winter are apparently meant to help us be more efficient at burning fat.
According to one author, "it's like a code; the foods inherent to each season are made up of basic macronutrient ratio - as the seasons change, so do the foods, the macronutrient ratio, and the signal telling your body what to do." Even in regions with milder or tropical climates, there still are times when different fruits and vegetables are in season.
There is some research to suggest that, ripe, in season foods taste better, are more flavourful and therefore you're more likely to enjoy them and they become a permanent part of your diet. According to one article, a number of studies have found that eating seasonally and locally plant-based diet "reduced risks of cancer and heart disease, increased longevity, improved cholesterol, improved vascular health, increased bone density and weight loss, to name a few."
I'm sure you have heard that we should only eat foods that our grand or great grandparents ate. Eating seasonally and locally is one aspect of that maxim.
I'll be visiting my farmer's market next week to help on my journey to being healthy and fit.
Here's what I did with my farmer's market blueberries. I think I was suppose to eat it au natural, not make delicious scones, but no one will know!
