With the farmer's markets in full swing and vegetable gardens starting to sprout strawberries and summertime veggies, it's a good time to start eating healthier.

Gluten-free eaters can rejoice, for this is pure food season in Michigan. In the winter, a fresh fruit or vegetable may have to travel from a warm climate. But as summer officially begins, its bounty begins to fill our markets. Take advantage of it and start snacking healthy.

I started by gutting my snacks cupboard and stocking the fridge with fresh produce. It's a little easier to snack in the summer, when I can merely cut slices of watermelon for the kids to munch on or set out a bowl of grapes. Strawberries are in season, and can be pureed or sliced and used in a variety of ways. As fresh strawberries from local farms go bad fast, try making a puree and freezing for later.

The beginning of July marks the apricot, cherry and blackberry season, so keep your eye out for made in Michigan varieties. This time of year also usually yields Michigan spinach, lettuce, beans, broccoli, cabbage, celery, greens and eggplant.

I recently took Dawn Bause's Slow Cooking class at the Community House in Birmingham. Slow Food Detroit leader Stacy Ordakowski was on hand to discuss local markets and the benefits of supporting food from local farmers. She told the class that farmer's markets should be brimming with local produce in a few weeks, a little later because of a longer winter. I can't wait.

It's a good time to get back to basics and enjoy the simple and whole foods that are always gluten-free.

Raspberry Vinaigrette
1 1/3 cups fresh (preferably Michigan) raspberries or thawed frozen unsweetened raspberries
1/3 cup gluten-free chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor. Strain seeds. Serve over Michigan spinach or fresh greens from your garden!

Food fact: Michigan is a strong agricultural state. It is the national leader in the production of blueberries, tart cherries, cranberries, new potatoes and cucumbers grown for pickles. Rich farmland in Michigan's Thumb region grows more beans than any other place in the nation. Read more here.