Gardening season
As a backyard gardener and lover of all green vegetables and fruits, I'm also excited for the kick-off of gardening season.
As I've heard it said that gardening is therapy and you get tomatoes! Gardening is a fantastic way to connect with nature, get outside, and enjoy the warmer weather. Not to mention, it's a great source of fresh, healthy produce.
Here's what's happening in my garden now. The first photo is tender, young chives. They are great added to dishes including potatoes and eggs. I like to add them to savory pancakes, such as corn pancakes. The second photo is garlic, making its way through the protective layer of leaves.
Even if you aren't a gardener, you can visit a farmers' market or food cooperative to find beautiful local food in season. There are so many reasons why eating local food is so exciting and important. I share some in my book, I’m Full: Remindful Eating Tips to Feel Great and Make Peace with your Plate. and here’s an excerpt.
Some of my favorite reasons for eating local:
* Save money – fresh, seasonal foods are less expensive
* Save energy – less gas used to move the food
* Support local growers and sustainable farming practices
* Be healthy – fresh, seasonal foods are more flavorful which encourages increased intake of fresh fruits and veggies, healthy vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that fight disease and promote health
Here are some health benefits of gardening:
1. Exercise - According to the National Institute of Health, light gardening burns approximately 330 calories per hour (average based on a 154-pound person). That’s only 50 calories less per hour than hiking, the same as dancing and golfing (while walking and carrying clubs) for an hour, and more than bicycling (290 biking less than 10 mph) and walking (3.5 mph) for the same amount of time.
2. Improves mood and helps manage stress, anxiety, and depression – Gardening, like other physical activities, increases our hormones that help us feel good, such as serotonin; it helps to decrease our stress hormone, cortisol. Also, according to a study in Neuroscience, soil contains healthy bacteria that increase serotonin.
3. Improves bone health – Like other weight bearing exercises, gardening helps prevent the risk of developing osteoporosis by helping to keep bones strong.
4. Increases vitamin D – Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is made by our bodies when skin is exposed to sunlight. According to a study reported in Nutrition Research in 2011, it is estimated that over 40% of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D. Just 30 minutes of gardening for 3 days per week, is recommended to keep vitamin D levels adequate.
5. Mindfulness and meditation – Digging in dirt is a spiritual experience for me. Planting seeds that will produce delicious, nutritious food is rewarding. It requires concentration and focus. I know most people don’t enjoy pulling weeds, and neither do I, but after a while, there is a rhythm that develops, and just being in nature helps us be more aware of our surroundings.
A great resource for gardeners is the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program. Every state and county has an extension agent to assist you with your personal gardening questions. Find out more here.
Sign up for my monthly email newsletter, Reminders and Recipes, here.
Learn more about my book I’m Full: Remindful Eating Tips to Feel Great and Make Peace with your Plate here.
