As your pilates instructor, looking out for your health, I ask you: Have you been trying to increase the fresh fruits and veggies in your diet? Are you overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of varieties in your local produce section? Look no further than the CDC’s [1] Fruit and Vegetable of the Month list!

Showcased for the month of July, meet the sweet nectarine and the bold garlic. With information on their selection, storage, preparation and availability, as well as nutritional information and recipies, you have all the facts and figures you’ll need to purchase and enjoy some familiar and some unique foods- cactus (August) or persimmons (October), anyone?

By this time of the summer, you can find great quality fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses and other fare from small farms in the area. [2] LocalHarvest lists farmers markets in Norristown, North Wales, North Hills/Oreland, Conshohocken, Chestnut Hill, Glenside, Skippack and Jenkintown.

Recipies exist all over the internet, from all sorts of sources. One regular site is [3] The Food Network. You should also try the magazine [4] Eating Well, and the more focused [5] Cook’s Illustrated. They each have tasty and different takes on all eating styles.

Your own favorites and experiences are always welcome, both here on the IM=X Pilates Blue Bell [6] blog and at the IM=X Pilates Blue Bell [7] studio. Enjoy!