The importance of exercise and its health benefits is a topic of much discussion around the country. We are currently experiencing a health crisis in this county with a majority of us being overweight and unhealthy.
As the summer months quickly approach, Ohioans are fortunate to discover a bounty of fresh items at our local Farmers market. When I was growing up, I used to think it old fashioned and out of style to be a farmer or grow your own food. Today it’s “cool” and being green and organic is certainly the rage of the day.
A couple of years ago I pulled out ivy from a bed in my yard and started my very first vegetable garden. It has been a process of trial and error, on the lookout for a farm with seasoned manure and discussions of what is the right nitrogen level in my soil – topics I never imagined 25 years ago would be of interest to me.
This year my sweet peas got in early, the bunnies ate the tops off my green beans and my spinach cannot develop in the unseasonably hot weather we are having. As a gardener, I soon learned that plenty is out of my control.
One of the other benefits of my vegetable gardens (I built another raised bed last year) is that it keeps me moving – pulling weeds, watering and checking on the progress of my crops. The second benefit is that my family and friends get to eat mouth watering beets and other favorites pulled from the soil and cooked that evening. I don’t think there is anything that tastes better than the fruit of your labor and truly organic delicious healthy food.
Thanks to information at our fingertips you can find new and delicious recipes online. Working out is great for our bodies and minds but coupled with “real” food that travels from your backyard to your table, well, that, in my opinion, is the best of both worlds. Bon appetite everyone!
About the author: Club Co-Owner and Manager Robin Palumbo likes to play in the dirt. She grows vegetables and herbs next to her historic home. In the summer months, she often shares her bounty with other members and co-workers.