In case you missed it, here's an article from our weekly newsletter (subscribe HERE) on springtime eating.
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With winter behind us (hopefully), warm and rich soups, stews, casseroles and drinks are replaced with brightly-colored produce and hydrating beverages. Eating what's local, available and in-season is a practical choice, especially when you are trying to optimize your nutrient intake. To keep you on track with your springtime nutritional needs, here are a few key tips.
Loss of appetite – Warm weather has a dramatic effect on appetite. Whereas cool temps increase the appetite, hot temps have the opposite effect – it zaps your desire to eat. Dehydration also encourages a loss of appetite, especially when you experience a headache and nausea from not meeting your fluid intake needs. Make sure you stay up on your hydration and nutrient needs to keep the body in good health.
Excuses – The list of reasons as to why it’s too hard to eat healthy in the springtime are endless, especially when the days are longer and you try to pack more into each day. But if you think about it, eating healthy is not that hard when you choose fresh/real food. It’s the conflicting information that makes healthy eating so confusing. Foods that are heavily processed provide less nutritional value than fresh foods. Generally, the more cooking you can do from food in its natural state, the healthier the meal will be for your body.
Travel - Between the vacation getaways and weekend outings, it’s easy to slack on nutritious eating in the springtime. For an all-day excursion at the pool, park or beach, pack an ice-cold cooler with water, sandwiches, hummus, chopped veggies, sliced fruit and yogurt in order to resist the vendor/fast food temptations.
CSA - Take advantage of fresh, local produce at the grocery, farmer’s market or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Seasonal summer fruits, like watermelon, berries, oranges, corn, peppers and tomatoes are in their prime, bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients.
Plan ahead - When you are hungry, your cravings will guide your food choices. By preparing your meals ahead of time, you will improve your health, save time and money, decrease meal-time stress and make better food choices.
Start your garden - Now is a great time to start planning your garden. Determine the best spot, get the soil just right, plan the layout and select what you want to grow. Don't forget to water your garden. Growing food can be a very rewarding experience as you benefit from the healthful food you produce.
"In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.”
— Mark Twain