Summer bounty makes it easy to eat healthy

Kelly Cardamone, Registered Dietitian and educator provides nutritional advice for eating healthy amidst the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables found during the season.

By KELLY CARDAMONE, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, CNSC
Edited by BOB KUPCZYK

Eating healthy is important to do all year long — and certainly, August is the easiest month. With local farms, farmers markets and grocery stores brimming with an abundance of in-season fresh fruits and vegetables, this is one of the best times to take advantage of healthy eating. Aim for five to seven servings of vegetables and fruits every day for optimal health benefits. Make it a point to try a new fruit or vegetable every week and go heavier on the vegetables instead of the fruits. Summer is an active and busy season, as people head for beaches, outdoor activities, picnics and vacations. Snacks such as avocado on whole grain crackers, hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks, almonds or walnuts, and nut butter on celery provide a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins and good fats to help keep you satisfied and sustain your energy. Fresh fruits and vegetables not only give you 20 percent of your hydration, which is critical during the summer months, but should also replace processed foods. Check out www.stepoutbuffalo.com for a full listing by location of all the markets in Western New York. General Physician, PC, is located at 705 Maple Road, Williamsville, and 237 Linwood Ave., Buffalo. For nutritional counseling appointments or more information, call today