farmers-market1After a very long cold winter, the time has finally come for the local farmers’ markets to open. Last Friday I visited one of my favorites – the Rutgers Gardens Farmers Market. I headed straight for the organic food stand where I found the most delicious lettuce, broccoli, spinach, herbs, potatoes, and more. The farmer told me that she harvested most of it early the same day. Now that’s what I call fresh!

And it’s not just fruits and vegetables; you’ll find yummy prepared food products including pickles, cheeses, breads, and more. If you haven’t been there yet, you’ve got to check it out. Watch this video for a closer look at what goes on at the Rutgers Gardens Farmers Market every Friday.

I shop at the local farmers’ markets whenever – and as often as – I can, and here’s why:

Eat the freshest food around. Did you know that food in the U.S. travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to your plate? Yikes! Fortunately, this is not the case with farmers’ markets. They offer the freshest food around—usually picked the same day—so you get delicious, top quality, perfectly ripe produce. Cutting down the time between the harvest and consumption means more nutrients are preserved for me to eat.

Help the environment. Eating locally saves vast amounts of packaging waste and energy required to ship food around the world. Shipping uses large amounts of natural resources (especially fossil fuels) and contributes to pollution. Food at the farmers market is transported shorter distances and is generally grown using methods that minimize the impact on the earth.

Support local farmers and the local economy. In an era when sustainable farmers struggle to survive, farmer’s market profits—which go straight into growers’ pockets—help keep small farms alive.

Save money. Buying from farmers eliminates the cost of the middleman and costly shipping, so I end up getting more value for my hard earned dollars.

Eat clean. Food sold at a farmers market comes directly from the farm (as is) – no added preservatives, fillers, or artificial colors. Farm-to-table eating means less processed food, and I love that.
farmers-market2
There are plenty of good reasons to visit a farmers market. It’s also the secret to a thinner healthier body. Freshly picked produce can help you lower your intake without feeling deprived. You can fill up on big portions of veggies and fruit and still keep your calories down. It’s so much better than dieting.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or just eat healthier, find your way to a farmers market this growing season. To locate one near you, visit http://www.localharvest.org/

Now, I’d love to hear from you?

Have you ever visited a farmers market? How was the experience?

Please share in the comment section below. Your ideas could be very helpful to other readers.

Meanwhile, if you need help getting ready for bathing suit season, check out my Free Self-Assessment and learn how you can lose 20 lb. – or more. Go to, https://njnutritionist.com/freeconsult

Share This