Eat Like a Local

One of the core tenets of Ayurvedic lifestyle practices is eating locally-sourced foods. Local foods would also be fresh and in season. The best place to find fresh, local, in season foods is at your farmers market. 

But, why does eating seasonal food matter?

Taste: 

If you’ve ever had a garden or had the opportunity to taste food that was freshly-picked off a tree or other plant, you know that it is fresh bursting with flavor. Fresh tomatoes, berries, and lettuces are among those that taste best within hours of being picked.

Nutrition:

However, it’s not just the delicious taste that makes eating fresh food beneficial; seasonal food has increased nutritional benefits. This study from the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that vitamin C values were almost twice as high for broccoli grown in fall (in season) as opposed to the broccoli grown in spring (out of season). 

Environmental Impact:

Out of season foods grown elsewhere require a lot of fuel to be transported across the country or around the globe. Choosing local produce directly lowers carbon emissions. Plus, most farmers market produce is sold loose, not in plastic packages like at many supermarkets.

Food for Thought:

I realize that not everyone has access to a farmers market and the ability to choose to purchase local foods. If you are, consider yourself fortunate. Eating local, seasonal foods is ideal, and then if that’s not realistic, do what you can. A seasonal food guide (with an app) can be helpful at the grocery store or corner market. Go to the farmers market in summer and preserve some of your own food if you live in a place where it snows in the winter. 

Whatever ends up on your plate, take a moment of gratitude, and set an intention for wellness before enjoying it.

Looking for ideas for preparing your local market produce?

• Check out my recipe page

• Recipes from the Ayurvedic Institute

• Homeless Garden Project Recipes