Spring vegetables are varied and rich in nutrients. It's time to stock up on artichokes, asparagus, fresh peas and radishes, grow herbs on the windowsill and enjoy the healthy foods on our plates.
As the first rays of spring sunshine begin to warm us up, our good resolutions from the beginning of the year can resurface. If you've decided to revamp your diet, you're in luck. The new crop of fruits and vegetables are showing up on store shelves, and can make it easier to eat a balanced diet while enjoying yourself.
Choosing the right vegetables
When it comes to vegetables, you can't go wrong: the more you eat, the better. Each vegetable contains different nutrients, and spring offers a varied and tasty selection. Artichokes, for example, help reduce hunger: they force us to eat slowly and are rich in satiating fiber. Asparagus, fresh peas, and radishes of all kinds contain beneficial compounds that help protect our health.
First thing in the morning
- A tasty breakfast can also include a serving of vegetables, reminds Consumer Reports. An omelet with spinach leaves, a slice of whole-wheat toast with avocado drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice... test it out as you like.
- For lunch, add grated carrots to your sandwich and beets to your smoothie.
- In the evening, sweet potato fries, quinoa, and coleslaw will round out the menu. Leftovers from dinner can also be a great vegetable base for breakfast the next day.
One change a day
Even the smallest change in our habits can significantly improve our health. Replacing sugary snacks with a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, drinking water instead of soda, not eating meat one day a week, opting for whole-grain rice and pasta, and using olive oil instead of butter are all beneficial changes that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
A fresh herb garden
Fresh herbs are easy to grow, even on a windowsill. Not only can they improve the nutritional quality of your dishes, but they also add flavor to foods and help you use less salt. Herbs like basil, oregano and parsley contain antioxidants that help protect against cell damage. Grow them and add them to salads, soups, vegetable dishes, or make a pesto to season pasta and vegetables.
Savour the flavours
Desserts and cheeseburgers aren't the only things that can make us salivate with pleasure. Healthy foods taste amazing, like perfectly ripe strawberries, freshly picked asparagus, a crisp, sweet, juicy apple or fresh corn on the cob. Taking the time to notice these flavors and enjoy healthy foods will help you feel more satisfied.
Healthy recipes to try
A few ideas for inspiration from our healthy recipes:
- Beet Millefeuille with Fresh Goat Cheese
- Spring salad
- Warmed green asparagus with parsley cream
- Green salad with radish and poached egg
- Frozen pea soup with mint
- Spinach-ricotta cigars
- Cold beet and spinach soup
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