Eating fresh produce is always a good idea.  First though, you need to stock-up.

Grower Direct Is Best

The best resource is a personal garden. Growing your own produce not only saves money, but also provides hours of exercise! Obviously, gardens are not an option for everyone, but do not discount the potential of a porch, deck, or well-lit windowsill.

If your thumb is not so green, or even if it is, remember to also take advantage of seasonal farmers’ markets and ask your local grocer what is currently fresh, local, and in-season.

Next, you’ll need a sound strategy to make it through all your delicious, nutritious produce.

Fitting Produce In Every Meal

Early morning is the best time to eat a large meal because it provides energy for burning throughout the day. Consider sweetening your breakfast shake with a cup of seasonal berries, or try a medley of granola and yogurt topped with fruit. For your morning snack, there is nothing wrong with an apple-a-day, but cauliflower and broccoli dipped in hummus provides vitamin-rich blast of mid-morning fiber and protein.

For lunch, try stuffing sandwiches made on whole grain breads with spinach, sprouts and extra-thick slices of tomato and cucumber. Afternoons are when our diets are threatened most by sugary treats. To avoid temptation, keep a container of grapes or melon on hand to satisfy your sweet tooth!

After returning home, don’t let fatigue become an excuse to order in!  Squash and zucchini are great additions to quick-to-heat, and re-heat, casseroles, while bell peppers and eggplant are superb for quick grilling.

So you see, every season and every time of day is the right time for fresh produce.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information call 604-420-7800 or go to www.karpfitness.com.