Warmer weather is slowly coming (at least to us in Seattle!) And several of you, like myself, are probably starting to shift your own eating. Heavy stews and strengthening soups are on their way out instead of lighter fare with seasonal produce. Personally, I find this time of year that I’ve forgotten many of my favourite Spring and Summer foods since this transition occurs, and I get into a food rut, rotating through lots of the very same foods until something reminds me of this variety in my fingertips (ie the store or farmers market).
Let’s see…
Because of this I created a list of the some fabulous “super foods” to begin incorporating this Spring. First I will say I do not actually like the term “super food” By super food we just mean,”a healthy whole food that offers a mix of vitamins, minerals, and health protective chemicals.” MANY foods match this criteria. Below are only a couple of the numerous options you might have failed over the winter. Pick one or two this week to include in as a snack or as part of a meal. No time to begin changing things up like the present! 1 on “dirty dozen” list this year, meaning they’re the number one pesticide-contaminated make thing. Unfortunate to say the least, but do not forget you can select organic to find the terrific and tasty health benefits of this tasty fruit.
Also, you may often find frozen organic strawberries in many stores at a much cheaper cost, so be creative! Strawberries package of a hefty dose of vitamin C, a couple of trace minerals and a range of antioxidants, which makes it a fantastic choice for the warmer months. These green, onion-like veggies are often overlooked, but do not!
Nutritional factor
They’re a nutritional powerhouse of Vit K, manganese, iron, Vitamin C and B vitamins. In actuality, they can be a excellent substitute in almost any dish that calls for onions. I’ve done this lots of times myself. Just cut off the tough stalk and chop the white portion to use on your next dish. Alternatively they work good as a soup or baked into a quiche! You might have ignored salmon over the wintermonths, so begin including more of the super food as the weather warms.
Salmon is great not only because is it a great protein source, but also because it is packed with Omega 3 fats and supplies a fantastic quantity of Calcium, Vitamin D, Selenium and B12. Pair it with a simple salmon for a mild Spring supper. Just be certain that you always buy wild caught over farm raised to prevent potential toxins and genetically modified organisms. There are so many unique types of olives to select from! Hit up the olive bar at your favorite grocer sometime and try some new varieties.
They all are high in monounsaturated fatty acids and contain important nutrients like copper, iron, fiber and Vitamin E. They’re also a wealth of special antioxidants giving them heart-protective properties. Hiking season is coming up on us quickly, so don’t forget to pack a few pumpkin seeds to the trail. In actuality, pack them everywhere for a simple snack.
Did you know?
Pumpkin seeds offer an appreciable quantity of zinc (good for your immune system!) And other minerals like phosphorous, manganese, and copper. These fleshy little buddies are often overlooked as well, particularly since getting to the true edible part of this quite large vegetable could be hard for some. Never fear, you can always find them jarred or canned to save you the hassle and time. That being said, check the link below to expand your skills and become an artichoke-opening champ. Like other foods on this list, here we have yet another one loaded with antioxidants and high in fiber.
Studies have shown artichokes to also be useful in liver health, preventing cancer, and reducing cholesterol. For elderly women, artichokes are a terrific source of folate. It appears the health benefits of chocolate continue to be debated (similar to coffee!) But I feel the overwhelming consensus is that chocolate is superb for your wellbeing. Do observe the sugar and pick the maximum cacoa content you can, but otherwise enjoy the benefits of those fats, healthy fats, and fiber with each bite. A tiny square daily makes a fantastic snack.
You might have yet to hear of them, but hemp seeds are gaining in popularity. Yes, if you’re wondering, they’re from the same plant as cannabis, however the seeds contain trace if some of those mind-altering compounds found in the leaves of this plant. The excellent thing about these delicate little seeds is they’re high in protein and rich in essential fatty acids. They also have an assortment of antioxidants and vitamins.
Final note
Try adding a tablespoon to your morning yogurt, oatmeal or smoothie. I associate beets with Spring salads, including richness in color and taste to some leafy arrangement. Besides flavor and appearance, they feature unique phytonutrients that support our bodies in detoxification, cancer prevention, and heart health. Unfortunately these phytochemicals can degrade with prolonged cooking, so prepare them as economically as possible.
Check out this link for an perfect way to cook your beets for optimum retention of nutrients. Speaking of salads, leafy greens are the best Spring meals, chocked full of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Like other foods on this list, they protect the heart, help the body prevent cancer, and also provide a terrific source of minerals and vitamins, especially folate, potassium, Calcium and Vitamins A, C, and K. Plus, there are a lot of options to pick from!
