Fort Collins Winter Farmer's Market: Together We Thrive

There may be no other time of the year when monitoring your diet is more important than during the winter months. Temptation is everywhere – snacks at the office, fatty comfort foods, grazing on cupcakes at holiday parties. Couple that with a perceived lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, and it is no wonder people suffer from weight gain, as well as seasonal mood disorders, and even depression caused by weight gain and vitamin deficiencies.

So how do you avoid this?

In Fort Collins, we are lucky to have the Winter Farmer's Market, held Saturdays from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Opera Galleria, 123 North College Avenue in downtown Fort Collins.

The dates are:

• December 19
• January 16 and 23
• February 13 and 27
• March 6 and 27

“Winter Markets provide real support to local entrepreneurs - farmers, ranchers, cheese and wine-makers alike. A wonderful celebration of community, too.” Karen McManus, Co-owner Wolf Moon Farms

Fruits and Vegetables Can Protect Your Health

Besides supporting local food producers, maybe the best reason to eat fresh food is disease prevention. People who eat generous amounts of fruits and veggies are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers (www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov)

Fruits and veggies can protect in the short term as well. Diets high in certain vitamins and minerals can protect you from the flu, colds, altitude sickness (when you go skiing), morning sickness, and all kinds of other minor illnesses. This winter, try to eat a diet rich in

• Vitamin C – citrus fruits, broccoli, salad greens, cabbage, bell peppers, mangos
• Vitamin A & B – carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apples, Brussels Sprouts (yes, they can be tasty)
• Garlic and Onion – they are both high in antibiotic and antiviral properties

At the Winter Farmer’s Market, you will find fresh, local fruits and veggies that are both in-season and match your winter nutritional needs.

For more information, please visit www.BeLocalNC.org and www.NoCoFoodIncubator.com

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