5 Reasons Visiting A Farmer's Market Can Help you Lose Weight

Written by: Sarah Hester, MS, RD

As temperatures begin to warm, farmer’s markets start to open around the country. Here are five reasons why you should visit a farmer’s market while you’re trying to lose or maintain weight! 

1. Fresh produce 

Like, really fresh. It’s common for produce you find at markets to be harvested the day before, or even just that morning! Most produce you find at major retailers has been harvested and on shelves for at least 1-2 weeks before you buy it. All fresh produce is wonderful, but you will be surprised at the taste differences you may find when eating fresh produce more directly from a farm. Bonus points, buying fresher produce may help it last longer in your kitchen!

2. Interact with people who grow or make food 

Food is much more than calories. At a farmer’s market, you can strike up a conversation with a vendor who may have grown or worked on the farm that produced the fruits and veggies you are buying that day. Chances are, that employee can tell you exactly how that item was grown or made and can tell you all the hands that were involved in getting it to you. The vendors you find at a farmer’s market who grow or make food for a living usually have a passion for good food that is contagious. They love to share their love of food and about the process of raising or making it, they’ll revel in having a chance to talk about their passion. By engaging in conversations with vendors, your appreciation and perspective of food may expand from seeing food as restrictive or even harmful to something that can be celebrated and enjoyed!

3. Physical activity 

Most markets are located outside with vendors under separate tents or at their own stands. Taking your time and walking through the market more than once can be a mindless way to reach your goal for steps that day! Some farmer’s markets are very kid-friendly and have an area set up with games and entertainment for children. Make a day of it and bring along friends, family or neighbors with children and engage in playing with them for even more physical activity. 

4. Stress management 

The combination of low intensity physical activity, fresh air, sunshine, pausing from technology and being actively engaged in exploring the market can help aid in lowering cortisol levels and overall stress. Cortisol is a hormone made in our bodies that plays a key role in weight management and overall health, lowering or maintaining normal cortisol levels is beneficial to weight loss. 

5. Explore new foods

Part of a sustainable diet is one that is varied and incorporates diverse types of foods. For example, you could enjoy fresh broccoli but also explore frozen broccoli. At farmer’s markets, you have the opportunity to try new varieties of fresh produce, different cuts of meats and freshly baked goods. Having an open mindset and exploring new foods will help you in sustaining an exciting eating pattern the rest of your life.