(2/2019) The way we prepare food today is so different from just a few decades ago. More people use boxed meals because of the convenience and time demands of our busy lifestyles. Preservatives and chemicals are used in pre-packaged foods to give them an inviting and appealing look and texture. While these additives should be approved by the FDA or whatever regulatory system they are subject to, sometimes they are not adding any nutritional value to us. I realize preparing fresh veggies and meals takes a little more time and effort but people are beginning to understand the health benefits of eating fresh foods.

Frozen meals also contain additives but some have less preservatives than boxed foods. Frozen veggies and fruit can be just as nutritious as fresh because they are picked at the peak of ripeness and frozen immediately.

Some people have decided to plant their own garden and start canning and freezing their own food. This can be an overwhelming thought for some. For others, they just don't want to. Preserving your own fresh vegetables and fruits is not as hard as you may think. Getting together with a few friends, especially if one of your group has done this before, can be fun and cuts down on the work of doing all by yourself.

Groups like the farmers markets or even some agricultural education programs may offer classes on canning and freezing. They give step by step instructions and may even have a program that will do the preserving for you. This, of course, will come with a cost but would be worth it and may not be any more expensive than buying from the store. We plant a garden each year and so enjoy the fresh tomatoes, beans and a nice variety of vegetables. We have always preserved our own foods and enjoy doing it together.

Another way of eating fresh is to prepare a few dishes on a day that you have the time and place it in the freezer for the future week. This way it does not have added preservatives of boxed foods but is easy to pop in the microwave and heat up on those busy days.

Remember to keep moving, you'll feel better if you do.

If you have any questions or need help getting started, please call me 717-334-6009, or via e-mail at fitness@emmitsburg.net