When it comes to eating healthy, the cost is an undeniable factor. Buying quality products cost more, and even though it's an investment into our health, it can feel like a huge expense at times. Implementing small tips can pay off in big ways - and one of these tips is to shop in season. One major factor that plays a role in meeting your grocery budget includes buying produce in season. Bottom line, the produce that is currently growing and being harvested is less expensive than the product that is not currently as readily available. For example, a watermelon in the summertime might be $3.50, whereas a watermelon in December might be closer to $10. In addition to this, the watermelon will be juicier, more delicious, and have a better nutrient profile due to the freshness. The $10 watermelon will most likely be bland, mealy, and disappointing: just short of a total waste of money. First, to begin shopping in season, look at a list of the main in-season fruits and veggies, and make a note of what you like the most. Visiting a local farmers' market is a great way to support local farms and access lower prices and high-quality foods. You can visit https://www.localharvest.org/ to find a farmers market near you. If you do not have a farmers market near you, you can still shop in-season at your local grocery store. Sometimes, grocery stores carry local produce, which usually is labeled as "locally grown." In a world where there is access to a variety of "whatever we want, when we want it," i.e., everything is accessible - sometimes it's good to go back to nature and follow the rhythms and cycles of what is around us. In addition to saving money, you might find a better sense of groundedness, gratitude, and appreciation for the present moment. P.S. - on Worthy Womanhood, I will be nutritional content in line with seasons. Of course, there will be some out-of-season items every now and then, but my main focus will be on nourishment and affordability.
