Including lots of fresh produce in your diet is a simple and direct way to empower yourself by improving your health. Finding the time to cook with fresh foods can require a lifestyle change for many families who are used to the convenience of pre-cooked frozen meals and fast food.
But processed foods - anything in a box, bag, or can-are concentrated sources of sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined sweeteners. Eating these things as a regular part of your diet can pack on the pounds and lead to an array of health maladies, from heart disease and high blood pressure to diabetes.
Simply making the life-affirming decision to make your family's health your number-one priority can improve and even eliminate many of our society's most daunting and expensive health problems.
Combining a little physical activity with healthy eating will help you heal your body and maintain your health.
The easiest and most inexpensive way to launch in a fresh-eating adventure is to frequent your local farmers' market. When in season and fresh, produce is often less expensive than what you'll find in the grocery store. Learning a few easy food-preservation methods and learning to store winter squash, potatoes, and sweet potatoes can keep local produce on your table throughout the year.
Each week during the growing season, I'll share easy recipes featuring seasonal produce you can find at the market.
The DeKalb County Farmers Market, located in the pavilion next to the county offices and Ace Hardware in Smithville, has some early-season wares available.
Saturday morning, you'll find vegetable and herb plants, smoked meats and barbecue, eggs, and fresh baked goods.
Produce vendors will be there soon. Be sure to check out the market for unique and tasty Mother's Day presents.