Ring In Spring With These Spring Seasonal Foods!
SEASONAL FOODS
April Seasonal Foods: Go green and add asparagus, peas and spinach!
Spinach: One of my favorites, spinach is a go-to in my household. I use fresh spinach for salads, stir frys, in sandwiches and smoothies... the list is almost endless! Spinach is good for your eyes - it has antioxidant carotenoids that may be preventive against cataracts. Plus it's good for your bones, as it contains calcium. Make sure you choose organic spinach since it is on the Environmental Working Group's list of produce that tends to be exposed to pesticides. And try the Spinach Salad with Chicken and Fruity Protein Smoothie recipes in my EVER BETTER™ Membership!
May Seasonal Foods: It's all about the berries, baby!
Strawberries: I enjoy strawberries year round, but there is nothing better than a fresh, seasonal strawberry in springtime! An excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, strawberries are so good for you: They promote heart health and protect against inflammatory diseases due in part to all the antioxidants they have. Plus they are good for your skin! I use strawberries in salads, smoothies, on top of yogurt or granola, and most definitely as a healthy sweet treat! They are even part of my popular Protein Pancake recipe from my membership!
Blueberries: Blueberries are a no-brainer - in many ways! They are actually good for the brain, and have been found to have promise in reversing age-related short-term memory loss. They may also help protect the brain from damage due to stroke. I eat blueberries almost every day because they are such a superfood, and drink my Blueberry Banana Smoothie recipe at least once per week!
Raspberries: These sweet and tart berries are perfect for snacking - and for keeping you healthy. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, antioxidants... the list goes on! I love using raspberries in my baked goods, as a sauce for a variety of foods, and of course as a healthy snack.
June Seasonal Foods: Orange and red for the win!
Carrots: If you want to help promote your eyes as you age start munching on carrots! They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which helps prevent cataracts, promotes good night vision, and slows the progression of macular degeneration. They also have loads of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, plus biotin and fiber! AND??? They are cost effective! I dip carrots in hummus, use them in baked goods, and roast them with other root vegetables for a healthy, hearty, filling side dish.
Cantaloupe: I love a ripe, in-season cantaloupe. It is so refreshing yet filling, with a sweet, satisfying taste. Like carrots, it is an excellent source of beta carotene and vitamin C. To tell if a cantaloup is ripe, smell the end where the stem used to be - if it is ripe, you will smell that wonderful cantaloup aroma!
Watermelon: What says the arrival of warm weather better than watermelon?! The good news is this sweet treat is a great source of lycopene, which is important for men's health, while still being a low-calorie food that offers up vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants. My Watermelon and Mint recipe in the recipe area of my EVER BETTER™ Membership, one of my favorite snacks!
And two more Spring produce picks to stock up on: Cucumbers and lemons! I add both to water to enhance the flavor and to encourage myself to sip more throughout the day!
Let's live EVER BETTER™ - together!!
Denise