Happy Fresh Veggie Day! Fresh Veggies Day is celebrated in early summer when the tastiest new-season vegetables start to become plentiful. It’s a great kickoff to the rest of the summer, acting as a reminder to look out for fresh, local vegetables to add to the table all throughout the season. Fresh vegetables are a great way to enjoy unique delights each season of the year to keep your dinners interesting and festive. Unless you're vegetarian, eating enough fruits and vegetables is probably something most of us struggle with every day. According to the (WHO), individuals should eat a minimum of 400 grams of vegetables and fruit each day (super starchy ones like FRENCH FRIES don't count!). I am certainly no example to follow as I've got over 10 lbs. of ground chuck in my fridge to make a ton of chili later today. But, please, take this opportunity to be better than me! Maybe instead of tortilla chips I'll pick up some kale chips instead. That sounds good, right? If the produce section at the grocery story is too close to the cookie aisle for you to avoid temptation, there are many other ways you can get down with the veggies. First, you can take a trip to a local farmers’ market and stock up on whatever happens to be ripe. You might be able to bag some free recipe ideas too. Also, it’s super fun to actually speak to the person who grew those vegetables! You will be able to learn about all the great things you can do with the produce and get suggestions for other great foods you can pair them with. Plus there will likely be other local businesses represented at a farmers’ market, such as bakers, honey harvesters, jam makers, local coffee roasters, and much more. It’s a fun way to support local businesses and be healthy in the process. I would highly recommend the one by NC State, which has tons of variety and an amazing country breakfast place. It may even be possible to go to a farm and pick your own produce directly. Why not get some friends together and plan a day out? Go pick some berries, take a picnic, maybe even pet a goat. The possibilities are endless. Depending on the particular location, you-pick farms may have seasonal offerings that include fresh fruit and vegetables. For many of us who are of age, the last "farm" we went to was likely a vineyard with a wine tasting at the end. But there are lots of farms just outside the Triangle where you can pick all kinds of other goodies to make tasty treats too. If you aren't up for some adventure though you can also get fresh produce delivered right to your door. With just a few clicks on your phone you can get great food brought to you so you can be the healthiest hermit on your block! If this sounds like a good option for you I would recommend The Produce Box, a local company that sources produce from local farmers. PLUS The Produce Box has provided lots of delicious bananas for many Fit & Able races, which we greatly appreciate, so you've likely already sampled their wares before. Of course, if you really want the most hands-on approach to your food you can start your own garden. Just make sure you give yourself some time because this is not as fast as a dash to the store. Most gardeners will confess that nothing beats the pride, satisfaction, and taste of home-grown vegetables. Seed clubs and gardening forums make it easy, and affordable for a person to cultivate their own weird and wonderful varieties of fresh vegetables. Gardeners always love to share their knowledge with others. But be careful because green-thumbs can be contagious and a hobby that starts in a humble pot on the porch may soon grow to a greenhouse and hydroponic system taking the whole back yard. There is hardly anything tastier than eating a vegetable or fruit from a garden that you have personally grown!
