National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and that makes perfect sense as many farmer’s markets have recently opened.  Many farmer’s markets offer local, ripe produce at discounted prices. 

One of my favorite farmer’s markets is Larry’s Produce in Suisun Valley.  It is huge!  It’s open daily and the variety is amazing!  If you live in the local area be sure to check out Larry’s Produce.  They open for the season June 16^th. 

Other local farmer’s markets include the Downtown Fairfield Farmer’s Market on Thursday evenings, Downtown Vacaville Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, and The Nut Tree’s Wednesday evening farmer’s market.  Shooting Star CSA in Fairfield is a 15 acre, certified organic farm where their crops are grown using compost.  You can also have boxes of certified organic vegetables delivered right to your door. 

For more information on the markets I mentioned above or to find a farmer’s market near you, check out http://www.localharvest.org/

Summer is upon us!  Are you trying to get in-shape fast to fit into those summer shorts and swim suits?  Or are you just interested in boosting your health with natural antioxidants? Just substitute fruits and vegetables for higher-calorie foods.  Fruits and vegetables make great snacks and can be easily added to any meal.  They are full of fiber so they are actually filling.  Just try eating fresh fruits and vegetables all day and hopefully you will see how satisfying they can be. 

Easy Fruit and Vegetable Meal Plan:

Breakfast – mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries), 2 hardboiled eggs

Snack – carrots and snap peas with hummus

Lunch – mixed greens salad with red onions, mushrooms, avocado, canned salmon, balsamic vinaigrette

Snack – apple with natural almond butter or ounce of almonds

Dinner – stir fry made with broccoli, water chestnuts, onions, bell peppers, chicken, brown rice

Snack – Yonana Sundae (see blog from May 7^th) – banana with natural peanut butter and few dark chocolate chips