(8/2021) Fresh vegetables are here, and much more will follow in the next few months. Maybe you have already had that first fresh tomato from your garden or local farmers market. Fresh vegetables are low calorie, high nutrient, readily available and best of all, great tasting foods that will help with the healthy eating style you are looking for.

Fruit is a nutritious food also, but it is higher in sugar. The good thing about fresh fruit is that the sugar is natural. Cleansing your pallet of processed sugar may surprise you in many ways. Once you eat the things you were use to eating they may seem too sweet now. Sugar is a big cause of many health issues. Many people are pleasantly surprised how much better they feel by not consuming sugar. I know it is hard to give up all sugar but try to avoid processed sugar or adding sugar to your food. There are many natural sweeteners, like adding fruit to recipes, that will satisfy your sweet tooth if you cleanse your taste buds.

I hope this article with inspire you to check out the fruit and veggie isle the next time you go to the grocery store or to stop by the local roadside stand and stock up on the fresh vegetables now available. Eating vegetables is an important part of a healthy diet any time of the year and an important part of a plan to lose weight.

Some people have decided to can or freeze their own vegetables. This is more work but we enjoy the time spent together and know that these foods are healthier than processed ones from the store. Talk to some of your family and friends about getting together and canning or freezing. It is always fun to work together and it makes the chore part of it less work when you have help. This would be especially helpful if you have never canned your own food before and they would have fun teaching you. I

f planting a garden or canning your own food is not for you take a few minutes and get your family involved in planning the next grocery list. This will make them feel a part of the planning process and hopefully they will be excited about the kinds of foods you get and want to try new foods or eat more of the fresh foods and less of the processed snacks they usually eat. Involving kids in meal planning teaches them healthy habits and makes them feel important and may just get them interested in planting a garden, cooking and even coming up with some recipes of their own.

Whichever way you choose, enjoy the fresh produce that comes from local farms. Some of the orchards have "pick your own" fruits and vegetables. This is a great way to spend a beautiful summer day. It is also an educational way to show the kids where fruits and vegetables come from and how they grow. Many children only know that they come from the grocery store and would really be surprised to see their green beans growing from a plant or see their apple hanging from a tree.