There’s something about a local farmers market that resets me. Maybe it’s the rhythm of slow footsteps. Maybe it’s the explosion of colors on a table full of fresh tomatoes, squash and herbs. Maybe it’s just the reminder that food doesn't have to be complicated to be nourishing. This past weekend, I took a quiet walk through my nearby neighborhood market. Not rushing, not list checking. Just walking, looking, noticing. And it got me thinking:
Wellness doesn’t always start in the kitchen. Sometimes, it starts with how you choose your food.
What’s in Season is What Your Body Might Be Craving
Seasonal eating isn’t just trendy it’s ancient. It’s how humans have always eaten, long before supermarkets gave us strawberries in December and avocados in every zip code.Eating what’s growing right now:
- Feels better in your body (lighter foods in summer, grounding ones in fall)
- Supports your local soil and growing cycle
- Helps you eat more variety without overthinking it
- It is also a cost effective way of eating healthy
At the market, I saw piles of beet roots, juicy tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, crisp greens. The kind of food that feels like rainbow when you eat it. And I couldn’t help but think this is how our plates are supposed to look: colorful, simple, alive.
One thing I’ve learned as a health and wellness coach is that if not all, but many people are often overwhelmed before they even start. The market flips that.So, if that's your case, I would suggest Instead of planning your meals down to the gram, try this:
- Walk through your local market and let something catch your eye.
- Ask, “What’s in season?” or “What’s been growing really well lately?”That’s what I do. Most farmers are friendly and like when you ask questions like that.
- Take one thing home and build around it.Maybe it’s basil, now you are making pasta with fresh herbs. Maybe it’s cucumbers, perfect for a chopped salad or a snack with tahini. Maybe it’s just the idea of fresh food that gets you cooking again.
No rules. Just rhythm.
When we talk about “nutrition,” most people picture macros, calories, or meal prep containers. But this is nutrition, too:
- Slowing down and choosing food with intention
- Feeling inspired by what’s fresh, and not thinking from a restrictive mindset
- Building a meal around the seasons instead of around stress
That’s the kind of nourishment I care about the kind that sticks.
Try It This Week
Here’s my challenge to you:
- Visit a farmers market or produce stand near you.
- Leave the list at home.
- Let your senses lead, pick 1 or 2 items that catch your eye.
- Use them as your inspiration for a meal.
You might walk away with a new favorite recipe or maybe just a little more peace around food.Either way, you’ve taken a step toward a more connected, seasonal way of eating. And that’s a win.
Until next time, keep it colorful, simple, and alive.