Take advantage of the summer

It seems like there is always something that can cause a road block on the path to being and staying healthy. Some times it's something we have control over and some times it's something that is completely out of our hands. What ever the situation, maintaining a positive attitude usually is the best way to get over/around/or under the road block. But sometimes a bit of anger can also serve to propel you forward. And honestly some things you should be angry about...but it's all about how you direct that anger to get yourself back on the path to being as healthy as you can be. One of my favorite quotes, "You are pure potential" always comes to mind in this situation. The way I interpret this saying is that you have potential...but is that potential positive or negative and are you going to use it for good or for bad? You can make that decision and are responsible for the direction that your next steps take you. What a great feeling to have some control over your health.

Now lets switch gears....it's summer time officially now...take advantage of all the great produce available and all the beautiful weather so you can get outside and take a walk, do some yard work, go on a picnic, or shop at the farmer's market. Speaking of which, there are several farmer's markets available around Omaha that offer great local fresh produce.

Here are the one's I know about:
Downtown Farmers Market, 11th and Jackson in the Old Market, Saturday 8am-12:30pm, runs from May 1 - October 9
Sunday Farmer's Market, Aksarben Village, 67th and Center, Sunday 10am - 2pm, runs May 30 - September 5th
Village Pointe Farmer's Market, 168th and Dodge, Saturday 8am - 1pm, runs May - October 2nd
Tomato Tomato, Indoor, year round farmers market, 2634 S. 156th Circle, open Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm

There are several others I have heard about, but don't know the details. I believe there is one in Bensen, Papillion City Park, etc. These are a great way to get amazing fresh, locally grown produce and at really great prices.

I shop the downtown farmers market every week and here is my favorite way to enjoy the fresh vegetable:

Roasted Vegetables
Preheat oven at 400 degrees or start up the grill. Cut up any vegetables you would like to add: zucchini, yellow squash, beets, onion, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, green/red/yellow peppers, etc. You don't need to worry about precise cutting, just chop them up. Add 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil (or canola oil), salt, pepper, garlic, and any spice you like. I usually cut up fresh basil from my garden. Stir the vegetables so they get coated with the oil and spices. If baking in the oven, put them in a large baking pan (9 x 13 works great). Bake for about an hour. I take them out and stir them about every 15-20 minutes.
If you are grilling them, you can use a grill pan (mine is round with tall sides and holes all over it), or you can put in foil pack. You will need to grill for at least 30 minutes or more. It just depends on how hot your grill is. If grilling in pan, you will need to stir a couple of times. If using foil pack, there is no need to stir.
This makes a wonderful side dish to any meal. I have also used roasted veggies as a pizza topping. Just put on pizza crust, with or without sauce, sprinkle with cheese, bake and enjoy!!

Happy Summer!! Be Well.