today’s tip

seasonal food guide

In a world where we can access almost any fruit or vegetable year-round, the concept of eating seasonally might seem outdated. However, embracing seasonal foods is more than a trend—it’s a nourishing, sustainable practice that brings tremendous benefits to our health, our palates, and the environment. Here’s why choosing in-season produce can be a delicious, impactful choice:

1. Peak Nutrition: Seasonal produce is harvested at its ripest, which means it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. Fresh strawberries in summer or winter kale are richer in vitamins and antioxidants, helping you get the most from every bite.

2. Variety Year-Round: Seasonal eating keeps our diets diverse and balanced. Winter’s root veggies, spring’s greens, summer berries, and fall’s squash bring a natural rotation of nutrients, keeping meals interesting and healthful.

3. Lower Environmental Impact: Seasonal foods often come from local sources, reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance transport. Choosing local apples over imported grapes, for example, helps cut down on fuel use and packaging waste.

In season foods right now:

Simple Tips for Seasonal Eating:

1. Visit Local Farmers Markets: They are an excellent source of fresh, seasonal produce, and you'll get to meet the people who grow your food.

2. Embrace New Recipes: Each season offers unique flavors. Try new recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients to expand your culinary repertoire.

3. Learn What’s in Season: Check this Seasonal Food Guide to see what’s in season in your area during different months of the year!

Eating seasonally is a small shift that brings big rewards. It nurtures our bodies, invites a more varied diet, and makes a positive impact on the world around us.

spotlight topic

books & podcasts to fuel your love for the outdoors

Whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or a seasoned nature lover, immersing yourself in stories and insights from others can inspire your next journey. Here are some top book and podcast picks to deepen your connection with the outdoors, spark curiosity, and fuel your adventurous spirit:

Inspiring Outdoor Books:

1. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed: This memoir follows Strayed's solo trek on the Pacific Crest Trail after a series of life challenges. Her journey is one of resilience, healing, and discovery, inspiring readers to confront fears and embrace adventure.

2. “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson: Bryson’s humorous take on hiking the Appalachian Trail makes this both an entertaining read and an insightful look at the joys and challenges of extended time outdoors. It’s perfect for those who want to laugh and learn about nature’s ups and downs.

3. “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: This gripping true story follows Christopher McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness. It’s a compelling read on adventure, survival, and self-discovery that poses deeper questions about our human connection with nature.

4. “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams: Exploring the science behind nature’s impact on mental and physical health, this book shows how being outdoors is not only enjoyable but essential for well-being. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the profound effects of spending time in nature.

Motivating Outdoor Podcasts:

1. “Outside Podcast”: Produced by Outside Magazine, this podcast covers thrilling outdoor stories, from survival tales to environmental insights. It’s an ideal listen for those who crave excitement and knowledge about the natural world.

2. “Wild Ideas Worth Living”: Hosted by adventure athlete Shelby Stanger, this podcast spotlights inspiring people who turned wild ideas into reality. From climbing mountains to starting sustainable businesses, the stories shared encourage listeners to follow their outdoor dreams.

3. “The Dirtbag Diaries”: Known as the original outdoor storytelling podcast, The Dirtbag Diaries features true stories from the outdoors, offering real-life accounts of adventure, resilience, and environmental advocacy. It’s a reminder of the rewards and risks of outdoor exploration.

Grab a book or tune in — adventure awaits!

a few words

inspired by others

My love for the outdoors didn’t begin on my own—it’s been shaped by the stories and footsteps of those before me. Cheryl Strayed’s Wild was one of the first books that stirred something in me. Her words, 'Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong,' changed how I view the world outside and my place in it.

I often find myself listening to adventure podcasts, the kind where people share stories of resilience, exploration, and awe. I finish each episode inspired, itching to lace up my shoes and set out on my own hike. The voices of others, those who dare to venture out and share their journey, have become part of mine, fueling my connection to nature and my own strength.

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