Spring is upon us! Springtime is exhilarating for the senses—the sounds of birds chirping, the stunning visuals of flowers in bloom, the feel of warm sun on your skin, the smell of newly cut grass, and, of course, the taste of fresh, in-season produce. 

The growing season in Michigan is kicking off soon, which means we'll be welcoming all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables that aren't as readily available or accessible during the off-season. March is National Nutrition Month^®, and this year, the theme is "Beyond the Table." With farm-to-fork nutrition at top of mind, we're celebrating the many benefits of eating with the seasons. 

Biting into a ruby red strawberry picked fresh from a field down the road from your home is undeniably more delicious than one from a carton at the grocery store in January—which likely was harvested before it was ripe and traveled thousands of miles and through many hands to get to you. Experiencing the taste of local, in-season produce is an easy way to awaken the senses and expand your palate, but taste is just one positive aspect of eating with the seasons.

UP Health System – Portage Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Taylor Paul has provided some great information and resources touching on the importance of eating seasonally for the health of ourselves, our families, and our community.

What does it mean to eat with the seasons?

Eating food that is in-season means it is generally in peak supply, making it extra tasty and more affordable. Eating with the seasons is a fun, simple way to be cost-effective and sustainable. Who doesn't love a good crunchy, juicy apple or crisp, fresh greens? See a Michigan seasonality guide here, created by Taste the Local Difference.

Why is eating seasonally (and locally) important?

Seasonal eating is a way to enjoy nutritious foods while lowering your carbon footprint. Utilizing local food vendors, farms and suppliers also supports our neighbors and our communities while promoting a robust food system.

What are the health benefits?

Eating local in-season produce reduces the amount of travel time and distance, resulting in fresher, more nutrient-dense food. Additionally, incorporating seasonal, whole foods into your meals requires preparation. Cooking your own food—as opposed to purchasing packaged, pre-made or prepared foods—is better for your health because you have control of what’s on your plate and what goes in your body.

We have a short growing season here in Michigan—how can we still incorporate healthy produce into our diets when it’s not in season locally?

Summer and fall are the busy months for Michigan agriculture. Planning ahead to preserve the flavors by canning, freezing, drying, and properly storing can make it feel like summer when we're surviving the winter. Click here for a seasonal storage guide to help with this.

Any good tips for eating seasonally in our community?

I encourage everyone to try a new fruit or vegetable once per week. This is one way to better your health and experiment with food. Who knows, you might find your next favorite dish for the whole family! Supporting your local farmers through direct sales, farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) groups and grocery stores that stock local produce is a great way to ensure availability in your community. Experiment with growing your own foods, too—it’s really fun and rewarding to grow and harvest produce in your own backyard! You may also find you’re more motivated to incorporate your home-grown food into your diet since you have put in the hands-on work nurturing it to harvest.

Do you have a tasty spring recipe to share?

This Crustless Spinach and Asparagus Quiche with Gruyere is amazing! It would be the perfect dish for Easter brunch. 

Diet can have a huge impact on your health, but making the right eating choices can be overwhelming. If you're looking to improve your diet, adapt your diet due to chronic diseases (like diabetes or heart disease), or achieve weight loss or athletic goals, the registered dietitians and nutrition specialists at UP Health System can help. Visit UPHealthSystem.com/nutrition-wellness to learn more.