What’s your favorite season? I mean, when it comes to food? Mango Season has to be among my favorites. I love walking down the grocery aisles and seeing all the mango varieties. I would usually go to Nashville’s Farmer’s Market for my favorite produce, but Mangoes aren’t grown in the South. Mangoes thrive in tropical climates and plant hardiness zones 10b-11. 

## What is plant hardiness zones?

Plant hardiness zones are tools to help growers determine what fruits and veggies will thrive in their city and state. Zones are determined based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones. It is common for many seeds to have a label with the hardiness zone on the back. For example, if you pick up a pack of cucumber seeds, you’ll most likely see zone 7 on the back, which is Nashville’s hardiness zone!  

However, what if you’re not planting anything, you’re more so just shopping at your local farmers market enjoying the fruits of their labor? Well, it is still good to know what fruits are in season and equally important, how to pick them! So, I thought I’d share my top picks for Nashville’s summer season!

### Top Picks:

__#PeachSeason –__ When picking peaches, here’s one rule to live by, DON’T SQUEEZE! Squeezing the peach can actually cause it to bruise and ruin its flesh. A better indicator of if it’s ready to eat is its color and smell.  I wouldn’t recommend smelling it unless you have already purchased, especially considering we’re amid a pandemic. But you don’t need your nose in this case because your eyes can tell you a lot! A peach free of bruises with good vibrant color is usually a good pick! It's noted, the more vibrant the color (on the red part of the peach), the sooner it’ll be soft. 

__#GrapeSeason –__ I heard through the grapevine that a good shake will help with the right pick! When picking grapes at your local market, give the bag a shake. If grapes stick together, that’s a good sign. You don’t want to pick grapes that easily fall off the stem. Also, don’t be afraid to pick grapes with that white residue. It's not dust, pesticides, dirt, or powder; it is a natural yeast, referred to as bloom. Bloom is an excellent indicator of freshness!

__#PearSeason -__  Pears may be one of the most beautiful fruits. It has nothing to do with its shape or color, but the way it ripens. Pears are one of the few fruits that ripen from the inside out – isn’t that inside out beauty! And once it’s ripe, you can bite into sweet pear-fection! So how can you tell if it’s ripe from the outside? The neck of the pear is a good indicator. Press on its neck, and if it yields to pressure, it is time to enjoy! On the opposite end, if the pear's body is soft to touch, it is likely overripened! 

__#NectarineSeason –__ Nectarine is like the identical twin to the peach, minus the fuzz.  Similar to peaches, you can tell a nectarine is ready to eat just by looking at it. And you can tell which one may have a better flavor by paying attention to its undertones. Nectarines with a gold undertone will have a better flavor than nectarines with a greenish undertone.

__#ApricotSeason –__ Do you prefer sweet or tart? Don’t worry because you don’t have to choose between the two when you bite into ready to eat apricots. Apricots have a sweet flesh with a hint of tartness. It is like the perfect balance. You know you’ve picked a good apricot when it has a beautiful yellow-orange color and is slightly soft to the touch. 
All of this talk about fruit has got me in the mood for some local picks. No matter the season, you can always support your local farmers. For more information on picking fruits and vegetables locally, visit the Pick Tennessee website www.picktnproducts.org 


What’s your favorite season? I mean, when it comes to food? Mango Season has to be among my favorites. 

Growing Season

Picking tomatoes at Nashville farmers market

Nashville Farmers Market

As I pass the blue wall, which is home to the iconic, colorful hot air balloon, I take time for a photo op. I also leap for joy because I know that just a few steps ahead of me is one gym I’ve been longing to visit – that is 80/20 fitness! 80/20 fitness is a local gym studio owned by couple Kevin and Jade Bazille. 80/20 Fitness was founded on the ideals that a healthy lifestyle requires 80 percent nutrition and mindset and 20 percent fitness.  The Bazille’s ditch the fad diets and shortcuts to encourage their clients to achieve sustainable lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes require more than just a good workout regimen and meal prepping. The Bazille’s agree it takes accountability, focus, intentionality, and a positive MINDSET. In fact, they know first hand what an impact a shift in mindset can make!

Kevin admits that before 80/20 was born, his focus was everywhere. Though he has always had a passion for fitness, which stemmed from his love for sports, fitness wasn’t always his focus. Before 80/20 fitness was established, Kevin had multiple jobs or side hustles. He was even selling hair at one point! The entrepreneurial spirit was deep in him, but for him to be fulfilled and make a significant impact, the first mindset that he had to shift was his own. Kevin gladly credits Jade with helping him make that shift. His partner in crime, business partner, and wife supported him as he narrowed his focus and chose his calling.  They both believe changing lives is their calling, and 80/20 fitness is the outlet in which they do so!

The accountability they have established in their relationship is undoubtedly reflected in their business practice.  Each 80/20 fitness client can count on the support of their coaches, Kevin and Jade. It is their priority that they develop a client-coach relationship with everyone who walks into their doors. From sending accountability texts throughout the week to encouraging monthly weigh-ins, these are just a couple of ways the Bazille’s will keep you accountable. Additionally, the workout space is filled with visual reminders that will encourage you to maintain a positive mindset. Upon entering, to the right, you will see their word wall. The wall is filled with quotes from clients to inspire themselves and others. On the other side of the room is the selfie wall. After each workout, the client takes a picture, and it is later posted to the wall. The wall is a visual example of each client’s transformation. More motivation!

Clients aren’t the only ones who need motivation. With the ups and downs that come with running a business and just navigating 2020, Kevin and Jade make sure they also put certain practices in place that will ensure they maintain a positive mindset. When asked about things they do to maintain positivity, they expressed similar interest. They meditate, have date-nights, work out, and keeping the end goal end mind when things get hectic. 

Their positive attitude is definitely contagious and showed during my visit! I got to sample the 80/20 Fitness experience with a few exercises. Kevin and Jade took me through Deadlift Hammer Curls, Kneeling Rotation Shoulder Press, Weighted Lunges, and Squat Jump Ab Crunches. Through the demonstrations, each coach was very detailed, as well as informative. I learned that many of the exercises engage the core and also promote good posture. I also appreciated the positive feedback when my technique improved! You will appreciate the expertise they both share. 
Kevin and Jade are accepting clients for group classes and personal training.  COVID-19 protective measures are in place for in-person training. Masks are available, and chairs are located in between each workout mat to ensure everyone remains socially distanced. If you are not quite ready to hit the gym in-person, virtual classes are also available. Visit their Instagram page @80_20fitness to preview some of their workouts!


As I pass the blue wall, which is home to the iconic, colorful hot air balloon, I take time for a photo op. I also leap for joy because I know that just a few steps ahead of me is one gym I’ve been longing to visit – that is 80/20...