Eating Seasonal Produce is Key to Healthy Eating

As a professional athlete, I’m always asked if I’m on a special diet.  The answer is “yes,” I’m on a diet of a variety of wholesome foods.  I eat whole grains, nuts, seeds, proteins, including red meat, fats like nut butters, avocado and olive oil, and tons of fruits and veggies.  I also try to incorporate a slice of pizza or a scoop of ice cream here and there, as well as small daily doses of dark chocolate or wine.   My food philosophy is to focus on the things I can eat, instead of focusing on what I can’t eat. Really there is nothing that we “can’t” eat; rather, there are foods, like pizza, that are better saved as a treat.
Living in southern California, we have access to a plethora of seasonal produce.  If the focus is shifted to utilizing these fresh, local, ingredients, you will never feel as if you have to deprive yourself.
The best way to learn about what’s in season is to pay attention to the large displays of produce in the grocery stores and to find a farmers market.  If you don’t recognize an ingredient or have a clue what to do with it, believe me the farmer will be happy to tell you about it and share some ideas.  And today, a simple Google search can provide you with enough recipes to keep you busy.
Eating seasonal produce and recipes not only prevents culinary boredom, it also ensures the freshest ingredients and highest quality, as well as being kind to your pocket book.  Furthermore, it’s a sustainable way of eating because it promotes local growing and cuts down on waste of fuel and shipping.
On January 26^th , at the 2013 Success Retreat, you will have a chance to taste some seasonal creations  from me and learn about using local, seasonal ingredients.   A demonstration of the recipes will be provided that highlights using color and texture when preparing food to spark your taste buds.  You will leave feeling motivated to try some new recipes and continue to explore all the foods you “can” eat throughout the seasons.  I hope you’ll join us.  It’s going to be a great day. After all, isn’t food a part of everyone’s life purpose?