“A good rabbit never gives up… Let’s hop to it!” ― Beatrix Potter
Walking into a Farmer’s Market (even for an introvert like me), is like watching a fairytale unfold. There’s busy beehive action, color galore, scents that beguile, and sounds that woo with wonder. People hold hands, share stories, make plans, and smile wide. It’s humanity and sustenance entwined in a fiber-licious tapestry of joy.
After taking it all in, my eyes always fixate on the glorious veggie stands. I want everything. Beets, carrots, spinach, even eggplant. This week I bought chard just because it was so pretty.
A pint of sugar snap peas sang, “We’re so snappy and sweet you know you need us!” They were devoured before I got to the parking lot.
Then there’s the fruit. Is anything better than fresh, local strawberries? It’s an embarrassment of riches, really.
And, oh the creativity. Local people doing amazingly cool local things.
Somehow food just tastes better in all that context. It’s a master class in eating well, just as a little, mischievous rabbit would have us delight in.
But… are veggies really so very good for us?
In a Vermont word or two… Hecks Yeah!
There are three fantastic reasons to keep up your intake:
The Chew. Processed food usually has far less chew than fiber-rich plants. Chewing is essential to the structure of our facial muscles and bones. Better structure equals better breathing and posture. That means less pain in the joints that agree with your mother when she yells, “stand up straight!”
The Crunch. Fiber, fiber, and more fiber. You may not be surprised that fiber has become controversial, because isn’t everything controversial these days? Some experts say the data is flimsy. We’d say the poop emoji is having a moment for a reason. Regularity is definitely fiber dependent. It’s not fiber alone, but fiber surely is the captain of the team.
The Chemistry. Nutrition from the sun and good soil is markedly better than that which is crafted in the lab of an evil genius, or even a well-intentioned genius. Moreover, satiety (your word of the day) and good gut health happen best with real, whole nutrients, then it does with pills. Feeling full and allowing your body to break down food into the little molecules it needs is priceless. It’s how we’ve stayed alive since the dawn of time. Let the body do what it does.
Finally, there is great research that essentially proves the nutrients from quality produce can reverse cell damage caused by carcinogens in pollution and other chemicals.
To up your produce, here are some tips:
— Eat with your eyes. Keep fruits and vegetables front and center so you see their beauty and continue to crave them.
— Share a salad with a loved one and chew the figurative fat.
— Use veggie chopping time as a mindfulness moment. It takes mere minutes, and you can totally zone out, stopping anxious thoughts by focusing on the chop, the colors, the fresh scents, and more.
— Make a yummy dip for your chopped veggies.
- Lemony White Bean Dip: https://www.foodandwine.com/lemony-white-bean-dip-11730907
- Green Pea Hummus: https://cookingforpeanuts.com/green-pea-hummus/
- Tzatziki Sauce: https://www.loveandlemons.com/tzatziki-sauce/
— Commit to making a new fiber filled dish once a week. Reading recipes helps keep great food top of mind and spark ideas.
— It doesn’t have to be perfect, organic, farmers market beauties. All produce is good.
Eat more produce, like a rabbit, and feel great!
“Even the smallest one can change the world.” ― Beatrix Potter
See you on the PATH Ahead.
