Collinsville Farmers Market

Greetings--Thanks for joining us!

This Blog will humbly attempt to inform and entertain on the subject of locally grown fruits and veggies. We'll go behind the scenes with our Collinsville Farmers Market growers and other food experts to bring you fun and useful information which will enhance your experience of eating locally grown and produced food.

What a great month to start our blog...Do you know what's special about March? Yes, the first day of spring falls in March...and, yes, the 17th is the perfect day to feast on cabbage, but it is also National Nutrition Month.

What's National Nutrition Month all about? ...Let's get "The Dirt"

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education campaign created each March by the American Dietetic Association designed to help all of us make smart, informed food choices to enhance our health.

The ADA's Nutrition from the Ground Up Program has lots of in-depth information, but the key components are:

 • Start with the basics. Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. A healthy eating plan is also low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.

• Make calories count by thinking nutrient-rich rather than “good” or “bad” foods. Most food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients — and lower in calories. Be aware of portion sizes. Even low-calorie foods can add up when portions are larger than you need.

• Focus on variety by eating a variety of foods from all the food groups. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, canned or frozen. Look for locally grown produce that’s in season. Vary protein choices with more fish, beans and peas. Include at least three servings of whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta every day.

• Make the most of family mealtime. Eating meals together provides the opportunity to help children develop a healthy attitude toward food. It also enables parents to serve as role models, introduce new foods and establish a regular meal schedule.

• Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness. Set a goal to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day.

So now you have "The Dirt" on National Nutrition Month. If you want to learn more about nutrition and healthy choices just visit www.eatright.org

Parting Quote:

“Give fools their gold, and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who sows a field, or trains a flower, or plants a tree, is more than all."

John Greenleaf Whittier

1807-1892, American Poet, Reformer, Author