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Walking down the supermarket aisle, there’s no denying the beautiful colours and shapes that decorate the fresh-produce section. Although in store, they might not be in season and at optimum consumption level.

Certain produce thrives under different conditions. For example, the heat of summer makes strawberries juicy while winter makes pumpkins sweeter. Cultivating fruit and veg to be harvested outside of their natural seasons results in a loss of nutrients, sometimes smaller fruit and veg, and a reduction in flavour.

Seasonal secrets

Winter is commonly marked with colds and flu, and in summer we need more water to stay hydrated and thankfully nature provides us with exactly what we need to stay healthy during those seasons.

Vitamin C-rich citrus – such as orange, kiwi, lemon, guava, grapefruit, and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and capsicums – is in abundance during the cold, cloudy months when our immune-systems must work slightly harder. In the same sense, watermelon and tomatoes are picked in the hot months to nourish our cells with foods naturally high in water.

The better choice

Besides the fact that certain foods appear at certain times of the year to fulfil the specific nourishing roles our bodies need, eating seasonally has a great effect on the economy and environment too.

Out of season fruit and veg is imported from across the world, which pushes up costs as well as carbon dioxide emissions. Buying seasonal produce benefits the local market and boosts our own economy. Your body, the earth and your budget will thank you for it!

The post Why eating seasonally is good for your health appeared first on MyKitchen.

It’s the end of the year and inevitably our calendars are filling up with end-year celebrations and social gatherings. While this season’s fun-filled nights with their tasty snacks and complementary booze sound promising, it also makes keeping up healthy eating habits a whole lot harder. Here are our top tips to enjoy the party without giving up on your health the next day.

By Jana du Plessis

1. Hydration is key

Our bodies are mostly made up of water – a clear indicator that it’s vital for us to stay hydrated on any given day. But add in the dehydrating effects of alcohol and our need to fill up on H2O becomes of even more important. Aim for drinking at least eight glasses of water throughout the day and alternate every alcoholic beverage with a glass of water.

2. Fuel with fruit and veg

The chance that you will be offered a balanced plate with nutrient-dense food at a party isn’t likely, so be sure to replenish the deficit the day after. Skip the greasy pizza or oily fries – these won’t do much for your mind or your body after a boozy night out. Rather add extra veggies and fruits to your meals to up your nutrient-intake and fuel up.

3. Keep portions in check

A hefty meal might be the soothing comfort you are looking for after one drink too many last night, but you don’t want to burden your body with more hard work. Your body will already be dealing with the extra calories and toxins from the alcohol and party snacks, so take it easy on your digestion by keeping meals slightly smaller. You’ll feel better snacking on a piece of fruit in between meals than feeling overly stuffed and fragile.

4. Kick the caffeine

Or try to, at least. Coffee is a diuretic and can worsen the symptoms of dehydration. If you cannot skip your morning pick-me-up, limit your coffee cups to one or two for the day and sip on tea instead.

5. Get moving

Even if just getting out of bed feels like a struggle, staying active will help with a faster recovery and help burn off that second helping of dessert you couldn’t resist. If you don’t feel like an intense sweat-sesh at the gym, a brisk 30-minute walk will still do wonders for your mind and body.

The post 5 tips to party it up this season without losing your healthy eating habits appeared first on MyKitchen.