Farmer’s markets are in full swing (incase you have not noticed) and I am loving it. There is an abundance of fresh veggies and fruits that I can fill my plate with, and I just feel so inspired to eat healthy and stay on track. I find when I am fueling my body with all the right things, exercising and being active just comes naturally to me. I enjoy munching on foods that help to keep me hydrated as well. I drink a large amount of water during the day, but on those hot days extra juices from your foods will not hurt.
When I frequent the different farms and markets, I alway am interested in finding exactly where my food comes from and how it was grown. I am not interested in my berries being sprayed with toxic pesticides. This is so important to me. Just because something is labeled organic doesn’t necessarily in my opinion make it better than something from a local farm that incorporates sustainable practices. Some farms simply can not afford the organic certification price tag. Asking the right questions, can lead to new and lasting friendships.
Six fruits and veggie to help keep you hydrated during the hot days. They are perfect as is or perhaps in a juice or smoothie:
- Berries. Any type of berry will do. It can be blue or yellow or red, and I will pop in in my mouth. They are so delicious and I anxiously await their arrival every single year. Store bought organic strawberries in February, just don’t compare to local fresh ones!
- Cucumbers.They are my all time favorite vegetable. Most of the time I just eat them as they are.
- Tomatoes. Nothing tastes better than a ripe juicy tomato right off the vine. Oh, how I just love all the different varieties of heirloom tomatoes.
- Peppers. I have a love affair for red, yellow and orange peppers (sorry green, you just don’t do it for me). I eat them like an apple. Seriously. I am waiting impatiently for my local farmer to have his peppers ready, but that won’t be until August. I just can’t bring myself to buy organic peppers from Ireland, Yes, you read correctlt. My local grocery store is importing peppers from Ireland. I have, however, been lucky enough over the last month, receiving orange hydroponic peppers in my Lufa Farms basket. Since our subscriptionexpired last week, we decided to put off renewing simply purchase we can purchase everything we need from local farms and once there are less veggie and fruit options, we will sign right back up for the whole winter.
- Apples. I know apple season is at least 2 months away, but I am thinking of them often. I am very much looking forward to taking little E apple picking in September. What a treat that will be.
- Celery. I am such a celery fan. I think my favorite part is the crunch, and oh yes, the beautiful dark green and red colors of farm fresh celery. It is one of the most refreshing vegetables I can think of besides cucumbers.
What are your favorite farmer’s market finds? Do you gravitate towards the same foods or do you live it up and try new things? What foods helps you keep your energy levels high?
active, green, health, hydrating foods, local farm, organic
I am the Good Girl Gone Green. Seeing garbage cans overflowing with recyclables breaks my heart.
Fresh fruits and veggies give me so much energy. I’m trying stay away from chocolate almond toffee and focus more on healthy raw foods. I love that you eat a red pepper like an apple. That is awesome. I think I will try that as I would probably eat more of them without the added step of slicing them. I agree that red and yellow peppers are much better than green. I like the green peppers for stuffed peppers (put a turkey meat mixture in the pepper and bake).
Visiting from Thoughtful Thursday Blog Hop. So glad I found your blog!
I love love red peppers! So delicious! I use green in tomato sauces and such, but that’s it!
I love watermelon to stay hydrated and i just ate a ton of it. I also love berries and easting grapes but wonder how hydrating they are??
I have been sick all week so I haven/t had a chance to workout but I am going to try a bit later today. So funny since I started the GGGFC I have worked out less than ever!!
Me too! I have working out less! Berries are hydrating!
I love watermelon too, but it is great to add some veggies to the hydration mix!
Oh, watermelon.How did I forget that one?
I love pineapple and berries of all kind. I heard a while ago that green peppers are not ripe. It makes sense. Due to the heat, my peppers are just budding. Celery is taking forever! Hopefully, when you come there will be watermelon! Anna
That is correct Anna. Green peppers are not ripe! I just got some celery from my local farmer, and it was tasty!
I’m a celery lover too Stephanie. Also all berries are high up on the list.
I also like celery juice! Yum!
I love berries and the rest on the list — another fave of mine in the summer is watermelon!
I usually freeze my watermelon and add it to my smoothies in the morning!
Whoa!! A friend was just asking this on FB tonight, her children refuse to drink liquids when it’s hot. I’m sending her this page. Your post could not have come at a more perfect time, thanks!!
Thanks for much for sharing, Tammi. I really appreciate it!
Mmm this posts makes me want fresh veggies! Fortunately, my mom and sister have been keeping up our backyard garden while I’ve been away at school, so when I’m home, I sometimes get a bite of a fresh tomato or strawberry. Our squash are thriving, and eventually we’ll have corn! I love peppers and tomatoes, and when I go to the Farmer’s Market, my favorite things to sample and get are usually fruits, like berries and peaches. I love your blog, just found you through Reduce Footprints, and I’ve added you to my blog list! Keep up the awesome posts, and I’ll be sure to check back for more readings soon.