Avoid these fat traps
Most shoppers head to the farmers' market with the very best healthy shopping intentions. After all, this time of year, that's where you'll find the best-tasting local and in-season fruits and vegetables that every good diet should be based on. But that isn't all you'll get there. Farmers' markets attract you to their stalls with breads, baked goods, and other treats that can take on a bit of health halo next to all that spinach and broccoli and fresh fruit. Other food vendors flock to the scene to cash in on the crowd. And what at first seems like an innocent way to stock up on healthy fare can end up being a diet disaster. Here are six farmers' market fat traps and better ways to indulge instead.
1. Artisanal cheese
It doesn't matter how grass-fed and organic those cows and sheep the milk came from are. Most cheese has at least 100 calories per ounce. Cheddar—an artisan cheese maker favorite—has about 6 grams of saturated fat per ounce as well. And face it: When it comes to delicious, creamy, local cheese, you probably aren't carefully portioning a single ounce. Proceed with caution.
2. Fresh bread
Fresh bread is practically irresistible, especially when sold by the friendly flour-dusted bakers who made it right in your neighborhood. But these breads aren't necessarily any better for you than what you find in the supermarket. And in some cases, they may be worse due to extra fats and sweeteners like honey that make them so wonderful tasting. Always ask the vendor to list the ingredients if they aren't on the bag, and try to stick to the same rules you follow at the store: 100% whole grain and low or no sugar.