When you eat fruits and vegetables that are in season they tend to be fresh and local. Because they are fresh and local, buying seasonal produce can offer a ton of  benefits, including better flavor, more nutrients, reduced cost and less environmental burden. Apple picking and pumpkin farm hay rides can be more than just a fun thing to do with friends and family… bring home the goods and start eating with the season!

Apples (approx. 80 calories)- Nutrients found in apples can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and reduce risk of a variety of chronic diseases. Apples also contain flavonoids and enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Your blood sugar level is likely to be more stable after eating when these enzymes are inhibited. The fibers and antioxidants in apples also reduce inflammation related to cardiovascular disease, asthma, and cancer.

Pumpkin, butternut and acorn squash (90-130 calories per serving) – rich in beta-carotene and potassium, as well as fiber, niacin, and iron.

Parsnips (102 calories per serving) – Parsnips are fat-free, cholesterol-free, very low in sodium, and a good source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber.

Cranberries (51 calories per serving)- Fresh cranberries are at their peak from October through December. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, which protects cells from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals. and are a great source of vitamin C.

Cauliflower (30 calories per serving) – Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It is a very good source of vitamin B5, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and molybdenum, as well as a good source of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and iron.

Brussels Sprouts (38  calories per serving): Brussels contain high levels of Vitamin K, folate and iron. They are a good choice for an alkaline diet, as a food that decreases the amount of acid in the body.

OTHER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

artichoke, almonds, bell peppers, beet, beet greens, broccolini, carrots, chestnuts, chard, corn, eggplant, fennel, garlic, leeks, limes, pears, plums, pomegranate, parsnip, potatoes (maincrop), radishes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and wild mushrooms.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!! Each year on July 4th us Americans celebrate our freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, family gatherings and of course Fireworks!!  Stockn’Go put together a “4th of July” board on Pinterest with some amazing ideas on how to RED, WHITE and BLUE your 4th of July BBQ, check them out…

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There are many benefits to eating in season and with Spring coming on strong, now is the best time to do so!  Below are a 5 reasons why it benefits your body as well as your pocket, to eat fruits and vegetables that are in season.

1. In season food contains more nutrients, more flavor and typically has less genetic modification.  When fruits and veggies are in season, they are at their best!
2. Eating local and in season reduces the distance your food has to travel, making it more sustainable.
3. Eating what is in season and available means you are more likely to eat a variety of foods throughout the year. Interestingly enough, winter produce tends to have a higher caloric content.  In colder climates the body has to work harder to keep warm and mother-nature created foods to supply the body with enough energy.  So if you want to be beach ready for summer, stick to the summer fruits and vegetables!
4. Buying local and in season is typically lower in cost as the cost of shipping is eliminated.  Click HERE for a list of the cheapest fruits and vegetables month-by-month.
5. The feel good part about eating is season is that while you are choosing to eat healthier and more affordable foods, you are also supporting local farmers and families.  When your money goes back into the community it greatly boosts your local economy; businesses flourish, housing values increase, and more money is available for schools, roads and the community in general.

Shop at Stockn’Go.com and use code APRIL20 to get 20% off all purchases for the month of April.  Only six days left!