Family Health, Nutrition and Fitness, Your Health Tamar Raucher | 9 years ago

The Farmers’ Market Dinner Challenge

“We live in such a wonderful area to feed our families fresh vegetables and fruits,” said David W. Frate, MD, of Ardsley Internal Medicine, part of Carolinas HealthCare System. “With so many farmers’ markets to choose from, now is definitely the time to load up on all the nutrients fresh food has to offer.”

Why are fresh-from-the-farm veggies a good choice? Dr. Frate shares these insights:
  • Foods from the farmers’ market are at the peak of nutrition and flavor, because they were literally pulled from the ground or vine within days of reaching your table.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidants. These help block cancer-causing chemicals in your body.
  • Taking your kids to the farmers’ market is a great way to get them involved in choosing healthy foods. “Establishing those habits early is key to a life of treating your body well,” said Dr. Frate.
Why not participate in a fresh-from-the-garden dinner challenge this weekend? The challenge is simple: load the kids into the car; head to a local farmers’ market; choose from the bounty of in-season fruits and vegetables; and make dinner using what you’ve brought home. And, the rules are few: no recipes; everyone in the family gets to pick one fruit or veggie to contribute to the feast; and everyone must taste everything! There are dozens of farmers’ markets across Mecklenburg and its surrounding counties. Here are a handful to get you started. Charlotte Regional Farmers’ Market Yorkmont Road Charlotte, NC ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/charlotte/ Matthews Community Farmers’ Market North Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105 matthewsfarmersmarket.com Piedmont Farmers’ Market Winecoff School Road Concord, NC Robinson Church Road Harrisburg, NC piedmont-farmersmarket.com Bush-N-Vine Farm Market Filbert Highway York, SC bushnvinefarm.com University Farmers’ Market powered by Carolinas HealthCare System N. Tryon Street Charlotte, NC

Download our area wellness guide for our full list of farmers’ markets in the area

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