Fruits and vegetables are at the front line of foods that helps us achieve and maintain optimal digestive health. We not only benefit from their minerals and vitamins but they also provide our bodies with fiber.
Often we may not eat as much of this food group as we need. Most likely we don’t have salad supplies on hand (or a couple ripe tomatoes to add to our frittata) without planning a shopping list in advance. By planting a home garden you can have all your favourite veggies at your fingertips, ready for a spontaneous addition to any meal (at a much lower cost).
If gardening seems like a chore, the good news is that once you’ve cleared a bit of space and done the initial planting (one afternoon’s work) most vegetables require little maintenance. Tomatoes will be abundant and grow well, squash, green beans, beets, cucumbers and peppers and carrots also need little attention. All can be grown from seeds or seedlings (later in the season) often found at your local farmer’s market. Lettuce and other salad greens perform best in cooler weather (spring and fall) but are also pretty low-key.
Even if you live in a condo or don’t have green space close by, you can still enjoy the seasonal bounty. Sign up to receive a CSA Basket (Community Supported Agriculture). You can eat ultra-fresh food and also get introduced to veggies you might not normally buy. Variety is the spice of life―and a good way to help you stay fiber-rich.
Lastly, if you’ve ever had the joy of eating wild strawberries or raspberries as a kid you’ll know the pleasure of having them in your garden. Talk to your garden center about how much space and sun exposure they require and soon you will have homegrown berries to top your morning yogurt.
