In today’s modern world, we’re all so used to the convenience of being able to buy any type of food, no matter the season. But this disconnect from nature’s rhythms comes with consequences – for our health, our wallets, and the environment. I’ve seen time and again how powerful it can be to reconnect with the seasons through what we eat, and I’m passionate about sharing why eating seasonally is such a game-changer.

The Wisdom of Our Ancestors

Eating with the seasons is simply how our ancestors lived. They didn’t have the luxury of avocados or coconuts all year round; they ate what was available around them. This natural connection to the land and its cycles is something our modern bodies and minds haven’t adapted away from, even if our grocery shelves tell a different story.

Historically, people ate loads of potassium-rich vegetables and foraged foods, while salt was a rarity. Now, the reverse is true – processed foods mean we’re getting excess sodium and not enough potassium, which our bodies struggle to manage. This is one of the reasons why a seasonal, whole-food diet can be so restorative for the body.

Eating Seasonally for a Healthier You

When we eat with the seasons, we nourish our bodies with the nutrients they need at just the right time of year. I think of it like this: if you eat foods that grow above ground in summer, like sweet corn, squashes, or vibrant salad greens, and in winter, eat more root vegetables, you’re feeding your body exactly what it craves.

Not only that, but local and seasonal produce, eaten fresh, is naturally at its peak in terms of nutrient density and flavour. Often, the produce we see on shelves has been harvested before it was fully ripe and then shipped over long distances, meaning it’s lost a lot of its nutrients and flavour along the way. Eating seasonally brings you back to what’s fresh, delicious, and good for you.

And there’s more to it – seasonal eating encourages a colourful, varied diet filled with different phytonutrients. Those vibrant colours we see in fresh produce are full of beneficial compounds that do wonders for our health. This is why I often say, “Eat a rainbow.” By embracing the seasonal variety, we can really nourish our bodies with a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods throughout the year.

Saving Money and Supporting Your Local Economy

Eating seasonally isn’t just good for your health; it can save you money, too. If you shop at a good greengrocer, you’ll notice how much prices fluctuate with the seasons. For example, a courgette might be as low as £1.50 per kilo when in season, but rise to £4.50 per kilo out of season. Buying produce that’s both seasonal and locally grown means you can take advantage of these natural price cycles, stretching your food budget further.

And beyond the savings, eating locally and seasonally also supports the local economy. When you buy from nearby farms or greengrocers, you’re investing in your community and helping sustain small, local businesses. There’s a deeper connection, too – when you eat produce grown in your area, you’re actually nourishing yourself with what the local land has to offer.

Reducing Your Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of seasonal eating are also profound. When you choose foods that are grown and harvested nearby, you’re reducing the carbon footprint of your diet in a powerful way. There’s no need for energy-intensive storage or the environmental cost of transportation from far-away places.

Plus, when you buy fresh, local produce, it hasn’t been irradiated (a process similar to microwaving that’s often used to extend shelf life). Local, seasonal foods offer a true taste of the land around you – rich, full flavour that hasn’t been compromised by long travel or artificial processes.

Getting Started with Seasonal Eating

If seasonal eating feels like a big change, don’t worry – there are some simple steps to get started:

• Know your seasons – Invest in a seasonal calendar that shows what’s in season in your region. This can be a lovely way to get excited about the seasonal fruits and veg coming your way.
• Prioritise organic – Use the “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” lists to help you decide which produce to buy organic if you’re on a budget.
• Get excited about the seasons – Challenge yourself to check where your food is coming from. How much of it is local? Could you try doing one weekly shop that’s all from within your country? This awareness alone can be a powerful motivator to change.

When you reconnect with the natural rhythms of the earth, you nourish not only your body but also your wallet and the planet. If you’re excited about the food you’re eating, that joy will nourish you on a whole other level.

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