Every raw food enthusiast knows that summer is the best time of year to be raw. We have an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables to enjoy during the height of the season from berries, melons, and peaches, to lots of crisp lettuces, garden fresh tomatoes, summer squash, and herbs. Summer is also about all sorts of fun outdoor activities. A healthy, fit body and vibrant healthy energy are summertime’s best accessories for sure. Everything really comes to life during late spring and early summer, Mother Earth is shining and so should you!

I’ve definitely switched to a more fresh food based diet over the last month. Basically as soon as I spotted that first watermelon on display I knew that it was the beginning of my favorite season. Hello fruit mono meals, huge fresh crisp salads, and all the variety a raw food girl could ask for. It’s also the best time to seek out and become a regular at your local farmers market. This is a great way to save a bundle of money if you’re eating primarily fresh fruit and vegetables for the summer. You can also seek out u-pick farms. Here in Oregon we have amazing organic berry farms that allow u-pick during the summer, as well as peaches, nectarines, strawberries, corn, and loads of farm fresh veggies. Freeze what you can’t eat. The money you’ll save from picking fruit yourself is immense.

I think everyone desires to look fit and healthy for the summer months. It is an awesome time to get on that bicycle and start cycling where you’d normally be driving. It wont take long before you are feeling stronger, in better shape and better health in general. Take advantage of the sunshine and put away the car keys this summer! I have realized with all that is taking place right now in the world of fossil fuel that I really need to step up my game and start cycling.

While not always the most convenient way to get around, the more you do it the easier it becomes. I feel so much more alive when on a bike! The difference after only a week and a half of cycling everywhere is incredible. The solution to the worlds problems do NOT lie in the hands of those with big money and those in power. The solutions truly lie in our hands. Each of us contribute to the course of this planet’s future by how we choose to eat, to live, and where we choose to spend our own dollar. Even if we can’t completely get away from fossil fuels immediately lets keep making steps toward that goal. Let the beautiful summer sunshine ignite a fire within us to make some small changes in our lives for the good of our own health, the health of others, and the health of our home, this planet Earth.

Eat more local fresh food everyday! Move that amazing body of yours! Look at the smaller daily actions as part of the bigger picture! And do what it is that makes You feel most passionate about being alive. Embrace and be empowered by a culture of life, because summer is upon us and it is the perfect time of year to do so.