It’s the most wonderful time of the year and definitely the time to be keeping your body happy and healthy so that you can really enjoy everything you have planned.
The holidays are packed with parties, presents and traditional meals often featuring once-a-year dishes that are rich in both flavor and calories. Lucky for us, there are plenty of ways to make this time of year easier on you, and one way is to GO LOCAL AND ORGANIC.
By ensuring that your produce is fresh and has an organic stamp of approval, you will be able to come out of the holidays feeling good about yourself, with a healthier and greener body than you would have otherwise.
HERE’S WHAT TO GET AT YOUR MARKET THIS TIME OF THE YEAR
Seasonal Winter Vegetables:
Sweet Potatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Pumpkin, Squash, Chestnuts, Leeks
Seasonal Winter Fruits:
Kiwi, Mandarines, Pear, Red Currants, Persimmons, Oranges, Dates
A HEALTHY BODY
Organic farmers typically take time to nurture their soil so it’s full of natural nutrients and other goodies that make it easy for plants to grow. While this is clearly good news for the environment, it’s also good news for you and your health. For one, the food will boast more natural and realistic flavors than what you can buy at big-box stores or other places notorious for shipping in their produce selection.
Research has also shown that, because the soil is well cared for, organic crops have significantly higher levels of 21 nutrients, such as vitamin C, iron and magnesium. Furthermore, crops like spinach, potatoes and cabbage had the biggest jumps in nutrient levels when grown organically. If you can work these and other organic ingredients into your holiday meals, you’ll be taking in more of the vitamins and minerals you need while eating the special foods that make the season memorable.
A HAPPY SOUL
The holidays don’t go easy on the environment. From wrapping paper to the fuels used to transport goods to the number of pine trees that get chopped down, we do plenty of damage in a short amount of time. One way to lessen your load on the environment is to buy local and organic produce.
Research shows that organic farming is more gentle on the environment than its pesticide-dependent counterpart. Obviously, by choosing a piece of fruit or a vegetable that’s certified organic, you’re choosing something that hasn’t been sprayed with any sort of chemical. That means that you’re helping the environment avoid the damage such chemicals can cause.
And while organic produce gets lots of attention, your best bet is local organic produce. One of the biggest problems with purchasing produce, whether it’s organic or not, is that it wastes lots of fuel and causes pollution when it’s transported. This is especially true if you’re buying products that aren’t in season in your country, because that means they’ve been shipped in from overseas. This puts a huge burden on the environment.
Buying locally ensures you’re using as few resources as possible in order to get the food you want. You can also be sure what you’re buying is in season, since it’s coming from your neighborhood. No crazy shipping, no harmful effects on the earth. You can eat in peace this holiday season.
YOUR CHANCE TO TREAT YOUR LOVED ONES TO A FESTIVE NUTRITIOUS MEAL
Many people shy away from organic produce because it’s more expensive than products that are grown less thoughtfully. Farmers who produce organic goods often have lower output because insects, crop diseases and other extraneous factors actually factor in without pesticides. This means sometimes organic products can cost a little bit more.
And, while it’s arguably worth the extra money simply to have a product that’s more nutritious and earth-conscious, there’s another way to ensure your produce is organic and cheap: Grow it yourself.
Your family might not notice that their favorite holiday plates are chock full of the vitamins and minerals that come standard with organic produce, but their bodies will. Good health is a great gift to be giving this holiday season.
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