Dirty Dozen & Seasonal Produce

Good morning, friends! Happy Hump Day! Can you believe it’s already Wednesday? I suppose that’s what happens when its a four-day work week. Ahh … music to my ears.

First and foremost, I must share last night’s dinner with you. Shrimp and cheddar goat cheese quesadilla. Foodgasim. The idea came from what was in my fridge and remembering Jenna from Eat, Live, Run posting a recipe for ten minute shrimp and goat cheese quesadillas. I’ll admit it. Best idea ever.

For my shrimp and cheddar goat cheese quesadillas, I used 1 serving of frozen shrimp (about 3oz), 3oz of cheddar goat cheese and a brown rice tortilla. If there was any cheddar goat cheese or brown rice tortilla remaining, I’d totally repeat this tonight. Sadly, I’m out. BUT I did get some goat brie … hmm … wheels are turning ;)

Today, so far, is off to a great start! It started with Hour Blast this morning followed by one amazing omelet. This one consists of 4 egg whites, 1/4 c mushrooms and 1 oz goat cheddar. Yum!

For lunch I packed the remainder of lettuce and a little baggie with 1/2c corn, 1/2c artichoke hearts, 1/3c carrots and a few slices of turkey lunch meat.

See that dressing there? When it comes time for lunch, I’ll mix all the ingredients and splash some of that WF Herbs de Provence. Can’t wait!

So as you can see, lately I’ve been trying to eat a lot of fresh organic food. Fresh, clean and organic eating is SO GOOD for you. Whenever I eat clean, I feel clean.

This eating habit, however, is expensive. And I’m not sure about you, but I’m trying to save money wherever and whenever I can.

So what to do when you want to eat clean, but can’t afford to? Make a plan of attack, of course!! Or you can follow mine …

#1 Purchase The Organic Version The Dirty Dozen

There is this list called the “Dirty Dozen”. It is a list of the twelve fruits and vegetables that you should ALWAYS buy organic because they have the highest pesticide residues.

Those fruits and vegetables not on the list? Buy organic when YOU can afford to. You’d be surprised how much this saves at a time and what it can add up to!

The Dirty Dozen:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes (Imported)
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes

#2 Purchase Produce “In Season”

Buying fruits and vegetables “in season” is another way to save a penny or two. This is when you will notice the 2 for 1 deals, or that a fruit or vegetable is on sale. Take advantage of this folks!! For those of you who want a heads up on what to look for these next few months:

September – grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, eggplants, pumpkins, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce and figs.

October – cranberries, apples, pomegranates, grapes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, broccoli, spinach and lettuce.

November – cranberries, oranges, tangerines, pears, pomegranates, persimmons, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms and spinach.

If you’ve ever had fruit and vegetables “in season”, you know how fresh and amazing tasting they are. I’m not joking. The grapes, pomegranates and figs are so juicy right now.

Hopefully these tips will inspire you to try some clean eating! There are ways to eat clean and organic without breaking the bank.

Do you know of any other ways to save on fresh produce? Have you heard of the Dirty Dozen and/or followed the rule? What is your favorite “in season” fruit or vegetable? Right now, mine are figs.

Tags: Dirty Dozen, Fruit, Hour Blast, In season, Seasonal Produce, Vegetables