Seasonal foods are foods that are currently grown locally.
There are many reasons for eating seasonal foods including: oLeaving a smaller carbon footprint - there aren't transportation or refrigeration costs.
oLower costs - you'll avoid paying for transportation for long haul produce, often from other continents.
oSupporting the local economy - locally grown produce keeps farmlands in the community.
oReconnecting with nature's cycles - eating what the earth produces at the time the earth produces it.
But, beyond these reason to eat seasonal foods, there is the impact it has on your diet and your weight loss efforts.
Many people think they don't like certain fruits and vegetables because they've only tried them when they are out of season.
Hot house produce is not nearly as full of flavor as seasonal food is.
Genetic modifications of foods for transportation and longer store shelf life often reduces the food's taste to near zero.
But it's not just fruit and vegetables that are affected by the cycles of nature.
Seafood is best when it's caught in season and there is a natural cycle to meat slaughter as well.
How do you eat seasonal food? Well consider the following by season: oSpring recipes include asparagus, lettuces, blueberries, spinach, strawberries, potatoes, and onions.
oSummer brings on a virtual cornucopia of foods including berries, tomatoes, summer squash, green bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, and corn.
oFall recipes feature squashes, cabbage, potatoes, spinach, apples, and sweet potatoes.
oIn the winter, recipes will include avocadoes, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, and pumpkin.
Once you get in touch with seasonal foods, you will also develop an appreciation for the food cycle.
This heightened awareness of your food will make you a better dieter.