What you need to know about seasonal eating

Looking for an easy way to make sure you’re getting plenty of nutrition and variety in your diet?

Following a seasonal approach might be for you. It can actually save you money too.

What is seasonal eating?

Put simply, eating seasonally means focusing on foods that grow naturally in the season that you’re in right now. Seasonal eating used to be all that we had available to us. But as technology has advanced, we are able to import food from other countries. We can even force food to grow outside of its growing season. What are the benefits?

Seasonal food is tastier

Ever tried a tomato in winter? It’s watery and pale. Where as summer tomatoes are bright red and juicy. When food is grown in its natural season, it is more likely to get the conditions it likes best. The amount of water, the temperature and the sun exposure that a plant likes can vary – just like us humans! But when it gets the right conditions, it will contain plenty of nutrients – AND more flavour.

It contains nutrients specific to the season

Have you ever noticed that tropical fruits and salads have a lot of water content? This high water content helps to keep you hydrated during the hotter weather. On the other hand, citrus fruits contain vitamins and antioxidants that support immunity during the winter.

You’re supporting local growers and economies

Seasonal food generally comes from a local area, or at least within the same country. By choosing to buy cherries in summer instead of winter (when they are imported from the US), you are supporting the local economy.

How to get more seasonal food into the diet

Are you sold on the perks of a more seasonal approach to food? Let’s look at a few ways to get more seasonal options into your daily diet.

Shop at farmers markets

The popularity of local food means that farmers markets are available in most areas. Because farmers are bringing fresh produce in, they will be offering seasonal options. The best part is, it often makes it more affordable, even if the produce is organic or biodynamic. Farmers markets are not necessarily regulated, so make sure you ask the stallholders where they are based. Some markets are strict and only allow stallholders from within the state, whereas others allow any interested parties to display their products.

Look for the more affordable produce options

If you don’t have a local farmers market, or just don’t have time, you don’t have to miss out. Even the supermarket will stock seasonal options. The key here is to look for the cheaper produce that is usually at the front of the section. For example, a $2 mango is more likely to be in season than a $6 mango.

Read your labels

Seasonal food is often local food, particularly when it comes to fruit that spoils easily. Have a look at the label on your fruit punnets and see where it is grown. If it’s listed as grown in NSW/Australia go for it! Just remember to slice up your strawberries.

Grow your own!

It might not be feasible for you to grow all of your own food. But you can start off small with a handful of your favourite herbs and greens. As we head into the warmer months, leafy vegetables are an easy option to grow on a balcony or a sunny windowsill. Drop into your local nursery to get some advice if you’re unsure. I like to source out organic grown seedlings.

A seasonal diet approach is a great start towards a healthier relationship with food. For more personalised support, or help book an appointment with me so we can fine tune the perfect eating regime for you.