It’s the New Year and chances are your resolutions include something along the lines of “eat better,” “lose weight,” or “get healthy.” If not, you are probably already on a good track to healthy living so the only commitment you’ve made to yourself is to continue making smart nutrition choices.
One of the best ways to eat smart is to eat fresh.
It’s no secret that fresh produce is one of the nutrient dense ways to get your vitamins and minerals. You could hit up the produce section at Fry’s, Safeway, or Walmart, but is that really the freshest produce you can get? Probably not.
In Vail, we’re fortunate to have several weekly markets in our backyard ready to hand out affordable, fresh produce from local farms. If you’re striving for better health this New Year, here are a few of the best places to buy produce in Vail.
Rincon Valley Farmers and Artisans Market
Every Saturday, the barn along Old Spanish Trail opens its doors to local farmers and artists. At this market, you get access to in-season fruits and vegetables straight from local farms to your table. It’s open weekly from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can easily bike there and load up your basket with fruit. Or, if you don’t have a basket that can carry lots of groceries, there is plenty of parking for cars on both sides of the road.
Keep an eye on the events section for specials happening each week at this market, or visit www.rvfm.org
Bountiful Baskets
Want an easier way to get in and get out with loads of fresh produce? Try bountiful baskets.
Sign up before Tuesday each week. Then, show up with your tote bags or basket to load up on in-season fruits and vegetables. The selection changes weekly so you’re always surprised with new types of produce to try. They also have add-ons that you can purchase, such as whole grain breads and other foods.
Visit bountifulbaskets.org to order yours.
The 3000 Club (Formerly Market on the Move)
Another market that sets up shop each Saturday around Vail is Market on the Move. Each week, this market offers loads of fresh produce for only $10. You get to pick and choose from what’s available and fill up your box with a variety of fruits and vegetables. The volunteers on site will tell you how much of each item you can put in your basket. Take as much or as little as you’d like, but please, only take what you need.
The locations are constantly changing, so before you go, check their website for where they’re setting up shop each week.
BONUS: Matt’s Organics Home Delivery
Let’s face it. Life gets busy and soon it’s easy to make excuses for not getting fresh fruits and veggies. Matt’s Organics Home Delivery changes that. They bring a box of produce straight to your home or office so you always have a fresh stock on hand. It’s easy, fresh, and convenient. You can’t beat that, right?
