Are you looking to lose weight or improve your health? Do you like Farmers Markets but have a hard time going during the narrow time windows they are offered? Is picking out produce a pain? A CSA share can help!
“CSA” stands for Community Supported Agriculture. In a very basic sense, this is what it is and how it works.
1 – You purchase a CSA share from a local farmer.
2 – You pay a one-time fee, up front. Although it can seem pricey on the front end, a CSA share typically provides you with enough produce that you will likely have a significant cost savings over the course of the summer.
3 – In return, the farmer delivers a wonderful variety of fresh, frequently organic, produce to a mutually agreed upon location, once a week, for a specific period of time (commonly through the summer months). Some farmers also offer recipes and newsletters, informing you of how to use any produce you aren’t familiar with. The picture above is an actual delivery of 1/4 of a bushel-sized CSA share.
4 – As a result, you will likely eat more fresh, healthy, low-calorie and high-fiber produce, which can significantly aid in healthy weight loss and improve your health! Better yet, you won’t have to spend the time shopping for the produce or trying to decide when something is ripe – the farmer will do it for you and you’ll save money!
Interested in receiving a CSA share? Here’s how to get one!
You can find farmers offering CSA shares easily by doing an online search or by visiting the Farmers Market. For a list of farmers offering CSA shares and other fresh meats and produce, visit the Band of Farmer’s Chicagoland CSA Guide from www.familyfarmed.org. Get in touch with one of the farmers that seems to meet what you are looking for based on the guide, and they will walk you through the rest of the process. It’s that easy! Pick a farmer to be your farmer!
A CSA share is a great way to increase the amount of fresh, whole foods you eat throughout the summer. Give it a try! Your waistline will thank you for it!
If you are trying to lose weight, please consider visiting us at Olivera Weight Loss. We use research-proven strategies, approaches and tools to help our patients achieve successful weight loss. We offer a variety of services to meet your needs. In our remote Nutrition Consultations, our Registered Dietitian develops a plan customized to meet your needs without you ever having to leave your home. Phentermine, an FDA approved appetite suppressant proven to help patients lose weight, is available at Olivera Weight Loss for patients who qualify. For more information on pricing and our other services, please visit our webpage or give us a call at 773-327-6624. Follow us on Facebook for free weight loss tips, recipes and more.
*Please note, appointments are required for new patients and strongly encouraged for returning patients to minimize wait times.*
Written by Cassandra Towns, RDN, LDN, CD
