March is National Nutrition Month, when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds everyone to return to the basics of healthy eating. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

“Put Your Best Fork Forward” is the theme for NNM 2017 which serves as a reminder that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small over time, helps improve health now and into the future.

Why not start today by visiting one of the local Farm stand or weekly Farmer’s Markets in our area. Eating a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables has been linked to improved health, and for good reason. Veggies and fruits (both fresh and frozen) are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which have been shown to protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Herbs are perhaps the easiest plants to grow and can be grown in containers on your patio. Herbs grow like weeds, so you’ll probably have more than enough. Choose one or two herbs to start, such as parsley, basil or rosemary. Don’t worry if you have too much by summer’s end. An excess of basil can be made into pesto, frozen in ice cube trays and stored in the freezer to use during the fall and winter. And, all herbs can be dried.

Here are some places to try:

Nelson Family Farms – 875 W Midway Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Easy Street Fresh Market – 6157 S US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

The Downtown Farmers’ Market of Fort Pierce, Inc. – Wednesday & Saturday

Tradition Green Market Sunday’s from 10am-2pm