As the weather changes, so should your diet! Just as certain fruits and vegetables come into season, our bodies often crave different foods as the weather gets colder or hotter. Here are some benefits of seasonal eating that might convince you to change your diet with the seasons.

Did you know that certain fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients when they’re in season? That’s because they haven’t been shipped across the country or world, so they haven’t lost any of their freshness. Seasonal produce is also generally less expensive than out-of-season produce.

Another benefit of eating seasonally is that it forces you to eat various foods and to cook with ingredients you may not be familiar with. This can lead to trying new recipes and discovering new flavors you love!

Summer produce includes items like tomatoes, basil, peaches, and berries. You can use these ingredients to make a delicious summer salad or a fruit tart. For something heartier, grill some chicken or fish and top it with a summer salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Yum!

Fall produce includes items like pumpkins, squash, apples, and pears. These ingredients can be used to make a hearty soup or stew. For something sweet, bake a pumpkin pie or an apple crisp. Yum!

Winter produce includes citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes. These ingredients can be used to make a healthy salad or side dish. For something heartier, roast a chicken or beef roast and top it with vegetables. Yum!

Spring produce includes items like asparagus, strawberries, artichokes, and peas. These ingredients can be used to make a light salad or side dish. For something heartier, try grilling some salmon or chicken and top it with a spring vegetable medley. Yum!

Eating seasonally has many benefits: it’s economical, nutritious, delicious, and varied! So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers market, look at what’s in season and plan your meals accordingly. Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you!