By: Lauren Scheuneman, FH Wellness Writer
At Flourish Heights, we truly believe in the ability to honor one’s body by fueling it properly. Eating seasonally is a wonderful, accessible way to incorporate this practice into your daily regime. Opting for seasonal produce is a sustainable shift for lasting results, and will foster connection with nature providing immense overall health benefits. Today, we’re sharing 8 fruits and veggies to add to your routine, especially during the warmer days.
1. Watermelon: Feeling particularly fatigued after a long day laying out in the sun? Watermelon can help! Watermelon is full of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, lycopene, and beta carotene and is composed of 92% water, making it a quick and effective way to rehydrate your body in the warm, summer months.
2. Cherries: Who doesn’t love cherries? This tiny but mighty fruit packs in a few nutrients and makes a delicious snack. Cherries contain powerful anthocyanins and phytochemicals which may help lower overall inflammation in the body.
3. Peaches: Peaches make a wonderful addition to summer desserts and salads, making it easier (and sweeter) than ever to incorporate powerful antioxidants into otherwise routine dishes! Peaches contain both vitamins A and C, and offer anti-aging properties. Next time you’re preparing an arugula salad for a summer BBQ, throw in sliced peaches to offer your guests a sweet and beneficial twist!
4. Berries: Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries – truly the works! The possibilities are endless for the number of ways to incorporate these nutrient powerhouses into your diet. Chock-full of antioxidants and fiber, try topping your morning oats or yogurt bowl with an array of berries to bask in an array of benefits!
5. Figs: Fig season is back! Figs are a wonderful, sweet, satisfying snackduring summer months. Full of potassium, magnesium, iron, and copper, this is one seasonal item you do not want to miss out on. We to top toast with peanut butter or cream cheese, and then add a sliced fig for a twist on traditional jam!
6. Zucchini: This summer squash contains quite a few antioxidants to protect your body from free radical damage. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene are all found in this veggie, and help protect the heart, skin, and eyes. Next time you’re preparing a pasta salad, make it hearty by adding in sliced sauteed zucchini.
7. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are much more flavorful during the summer months when they are in season. They’re a source of lycopene, which can help your body combat the negative effects of UV rays – which is incredibly important year round but particularly so on hotter days!
8. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are made up of 96% water, truly offering the opportunity to hydrate your body on a cellular level. Cucumbers are an easy addition to a simple salad, or a tasty snack paired with a fun dip for entertaining!
Which of these do you enjoy the most?