26 April 2023

You're not alone in putting bananas in your shopping basket 52 weeks of the year!

With supermarkets offering us the majority of foods all year round, most of us get into the habit of eating broadly the same foods whatever the season.

But without varying your foods, your gut bacteria never has the chance to diversify, meaning that you are much more likely to develop sensitivities to specific foods.

I'm not talking about food allergies here, just unwanted effects like

• bloating,
• energy slumps and
• stubborn weight gain.

Varying your foods throughout the year will help you to take intermittent rest from certain foods, and allow your body to reset.

Choosing seasonal foods, based on what's fresh in the area you live gives you a great way to bring something new into your diet on a regular basis.

Let's look a little bit deeper into what seasonal foods are available in each season.

In springtime, seasonal foods include

• new shoots,
• soft leafy herbs,
• spring onions,
• asparagus,
• baby leaf salads,
• rhubarb,
• spring cauliflowers and
• cabbages.

Full of B vitamins, vitamin C and fibre, but not usually high in carbohydrates, these spring harvest vegetables are nourishing but gentle on your blood sugar system. Perfect for when you need to get gently moving again after the winter.

And spring vegetables tend to be great for supporting weight loss, so they are a great choice if you've been caught by surprise when you've shed the winter jumpers, and can't quite fit into your lighter spring clothes.

In summer there are

• peaches,
• strawberries,
• cherries,
• beans,
• peas,
• tomatoes,
• peppers,
• fennel,
• courgettes,
• big leaf lettuces and
• onions.

A whole plethora of seasonal foods that are specific to summer!

The health benefits include stacks of vitamin C - which is great for repairing damage from the sun (although it goes without saying that you should still avoid getting burnt). 

Lots of quick-release energy for nibbling on those long days of summer when you want to be active at all hours.

Protein starts to be more plentiful too, with beans and peas - great for keeping your muscles strong when you need them to be limber.

In autumn, seasonal foods include

• nuts and seeds,
• orchard fruits,
• pumpkins,
• mushrooms,
• carrots,
• sweetcorn,
• potatoes,
• cauliflower and
• broccolli.

Autumn foods are rich in complex carbohydrates, with slow release energy and the vitamins you need to boost your immune system during the colder weather.

Plus, nuts and seeds are rich in protein and healthy fats - great for longer term slow release energy, and repairing cells walls whilst you prepare to hunker down for the colder months.

The winter harvest brings us

• celeriac,
• turnips,
• more potatoes and
• broccolli,
• plus cabbages and
• brussels sprouts.

Rich in warming nutrients like folic acid, iron and vitamin A, winter seasonal vegetables contain lots of fibre, to keep you full and support your gut and immune system.

So there is a pattern in nature! 

And it's definitely a good idea to look at what seasonal foods are fresh in the shops each time you stock up, and try to base your menu around these foods.

(and yes, I know it's easier to do that when it's strawberry season, and not so easy when it's turnip season, but do your best  - your body will thank you.)