Five a day keeps the diseases away. We're talking about consuming at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. That's the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the agency, fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that prevent chronic ailments such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. When you're putting together your plate, it should look like a rainbow of fruit and vegetable flavors. More color means more fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. It's no secret that filling up on fresh fruits and vegetables will also assist in your weight-loss efforts. Chock full of fiber, they help you feel more satiated and you're less likely to binge on empty calories. So when you're watching your waistline, what better destination than the local farmers' market? It's the place that puts the produce aisle at your local grocery store to shame. When you're in search of freshly-picked vegetables and fruits, make a beeline for the farmers' market. You'll not only find your favorites like strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage, peaches and more, you'll also stumble upon some choices you never even knew existed.
There is something for all seasons. Get experimental and tickle your taste buds with a few great choices from the market. Shopping at the farmers market has plenty of perks. For starters, the fruit and vegetables are grown locally and picked when perfectly ripe. Because produce is picked at the peak of the season, the fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and disease-fighting phytochemicals. Many times you'll find bargain prices at the farmers market which means you'll get more for your money. It also supports the local farming community. Another benefit is that local produce is often done organically, which means you're limiting your exposure to insecticides and pesticides.