Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 09

ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners obstaclemudrunner.co.uk 20 Season Reasons Jennie Gough jenniegough.com Want strawberries in November? Fancy some asparagus in January? No problem! Your local supermarket will undoubtedly have them on the shelves. And whilst it may seem nice to have year-round access to all types of fruit and vegetables, in actual fact it isn’t a good thing. You’ll be much better off (both financially and health-wise) choosing foods that are in season. Here are 5 good reasons why: Taste Vegetables and fruit that are in season are fresher and have more flavour. When they’ve been imported from another country (often from the other side of the world!) it’s most likely that the crops had to be harvested before becoming ripe, then refrigerated before being transported and artificially ripened, all of which significantly reduces the flavour and nutritional value. Bland fluffy apples anyone, with minimal nutrients or crisp and juicy fresh apples from the local farm? I know what I’d choose. Variety Many people are starting to understand the importance of taking care of your gut bacteria when it comes to staying healthy and preventing disease. Research shows that the more variety of foods you eat, the healthier your gut and one of the best ways of ensuring diversity in your diet is by eating seasonally. By doing so you’ll naturally rotate new fruits and vegetables into your meals throughout the year and the good guys in your gut will thank you for it. Nutrition Fruit and veg that takes longer to get from the soil to the shelf quickly lose their phyto-nutrient content and contain reduced levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C, folate and carotenes. By choosing foods that are in season you’ll get the maximum nutritional bang for your buck. Also, did you know that as part of the transportation and storage process, food producers spray, gas, irradiate or wax many fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf-life? Plus the pesticides and herbicides used in other countries all increase the risk of added toxins to the food you eat. Yuck! Environment Buying seasonal produce means less food miles as well as less refrigeration and hot houses. As the saying goes, there’s no Planet B! You’ll also be supporting your local community and the economy by buying food closer to home. Cost Fruit and veg that are in season are usually much cheaper because there’s more available and no need for all the transport and storage costs that are passed onto the consumer. think before you eat HEALTH & NUTRITION Eat seasonally and you’ll not only be healthier but wealthier too – win win!