Seasonal Eating – Spring Edition

We’ve crossed the equinox into Spring, and that means it’s time to switch up your seasonal eating menu of fruits and vegetables. Buying foods during their peak harvest time not only saves you money, but it’s healthier too! 

It’s so beneficial for your body to switch up your diet with the seasons. Cycling through produce throughout the year helps provide the proper nutrients you need to prepare for climate changes, shifts in your activity levels and even fluctuations in your mood.

Not to mention it supports your local agricultural community. 

Bottom line: Mother Nature has got your back, so take your cues from her this month, and add some new natural goodies into your diet. 

Here are my Top 4 Favorite Seasonal Spring Foods. 

Avocados 

Hello! If you know me, you know my love for this green goddess. I enjoy avocado 365 days a year, but I can definitely taste the difference when it’s out of season. Even though this baby has a high fat content, it’s healthy fats, so you can still enjoy a small avocado a day. 

And the fat content will help you feel fuller longer, so try it with your breakfast for a healthy start to a long day or when you need your lunch to power you through the workday. I even add them to my green smoothies for a creamier texture.

Artichokes

Did you know that artichokes grow on bushes? When they bloom, the artichoke heart reveals a vibrant purple flower. It’s fitting then that something so beautiful is also so amazing for our health. 

In addition to protein (3.5 grams per serving), artichokes contain a laundry list of nutrients: calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, potassium and antioxidants. No wonder they scored so high on  the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry’s list of immune-boosting foods.

They also contain a unique form of fiber known as inulin that has been said to work as a prebiotic and help with digestive issues such as constipation and nutrient absorption. 

While lots of veggies are delicious raw, artichokes can be a little bland. You’ll probably want to steam them. Here’s one healthy way to prep an artichoke, courtesy of Women’s Health Magazine:

1. Grab a steamer pot, and add a small amount of water with a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Add one tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil.
3. Trim the spiky leaves, then place the artichokes stem-side up in the steamer basket after having trimmed their spiky leaves.
4. Cover pot, steam for 25 to 30 minutes, until the heart is tender when pierced with a knife and inner leaves pull out easily.
5. Enjoy in a salad, pasta dish, or as a healthy snack. 

Peas

Come on, guys, give peas a chance… (I couldn’t resist a little season eating pun.) 

Seriously though, nothing says springtime like green, so get it on the plate. Peas are so versatile. Garden, snow or snap: they can be mixed in casseroles, sprinkled in salads or pasta dishes, even eaten as a healthy snack with a side of hummus. 

Peas are also packed with antioxidants (like Vitamin C, E and zinc) that help boost your immune system and lower your risk of inflammatory conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. They are excellent sources of the nutrient coumestrol and high in fiber, both of which aid and protect your digestive system. 

So clearly, we’re not talking about a mushy Thanksgiving dinner side. Fresh peas are crisp, tasty and super healthy.  

Lemons

While most people enjoy lemons year-round (I know I do), Spring is their season to shine! These bright babies are low in calories but high in fiber and vitamin C. They boost your immunity and reduce inflammation. 

Their citric acid may help prevent kidney stones and anemia (by aiding the absorption of iron). Best of all, the plant compounds in lemons have shown to significantly lower some risk factors for heart disease, so don’t be shy about grating some zest to add extra flavor to your dishes! 

And if you’re a big lemon water drinker in the morning, try out my delicious Morning Lemon, Ginger & Turmeric Detox Tonic, and sip a little spring into your step. 😉 

An Overflowing Basket

If these aren’t your jam, here are even more foods to add to your seasonal eating shopping list this Spring.

Apples	Apricots	Asparagus
Bananas	Broccoli	Cabbage
Carrots	Celery	Chives
Collard Greens	Fava Beans	Garlic
Green Onions	Kale	Kiwifruit
Leeks	Lettuce	Limes
Mushrooms	Onions	Pineapples
Radishes	Rhubarb	Spinach
Strawberries	Swiss Chard	Turnips

Are you a fan of seasonal eating? Which of these delicious produce items are you most excited to see in your local grocery or farmers market this Spring? Let me know your favorites in the comments below or in The Badass Beauty Club.

LOVE + good eats!