Throughout winter, we spend our time stewing vegetables and sipping warm soup while wrapped up in front of the newest addictive series on Netflix. It is a time of feeling warm and snuggly and for many, missing workouts and inevitable weight gain!
However, with the arrival of March we can celebrate as spring has officially sprung. We can say goodbye to the lingering carrots in our fridge and make way for delicious healthy springtime food to look forward to.
Afterall, tis the season to get bikini ready! That is why these beautiful seasonal beauties will not only make your meals taste outstanding, but give you the fuel you need to get gains in your new hardcore springtime workout.
#1 – Asparagus
For me asparagus is the ultimate springtime food and I’m sure all the foodies out there will agree with me! Super healthy and packed with nutrients like iron, B and C vitamins, asparagus makes an excellent addition to your grocery list.
Asparagus can be eaten steamed, sautéd, grilled, or roasted. These stalks make an amazing side dish, or top with a soft-boiled egg and call it a meal.
For me personally, a big juicy grass-fed steak, with grilled asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes is my ultimate dream meal.
#2 – Strawberries
During winter, it’s all about the citrus fruits. But come springtime, these oranges and grapefruits become tiresome. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your daily dose of vitamin C.
When deep red in color, strawberries are perfectly sweet and can be eaten alone. But they also go beautifully in smoothies and even salads.
#3 – Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas are one of my all time favorites, mainly because they are so delicious raw.
Ready as an on the go snack, totally tasty steamed and great grilled. You can’t beat a vegetable that can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
Moreover, sugar snap peas are packed with nutrients, making every vegan shout yay for plant protein.
#4 – Cherries
Cherries – a wondrous springtime food that has such a limited window of availability, making them even more special.
Cherries are rich in potassium and fiber yet low on calories. From late spring to early summer, these little lovelies can be eaten fresh and raw, add them in your morning smoothie or even toss them in a salad.
#5 – Okra
Although some of us are lucky to be able to get okra buy levitra ed cost online year round, they are best in the spring.
Okra is incredibly popular throughout the Middle East, but not so much here in the US. This tasty green veggie makes an excellent addition to soups and stews and can be bought fresh or frozen.
Packed with calcium and vitamins A and C, okra can be steamed, stewed, fried or even pickled. This green little pod is a great way to fill out your meals and add a Middle Eastern twist.
#6 – Star Fruit
I was first introduced to star fruit as a child and it blew my mind!
The fruit gets its name from its unusual shape and has a tropical taste that will make even the most basic of fruit salads exciting!
These are a great addition to your grocery list as something the entire family can try. What easier way to get more fruit into your kids’ diets than giving them a gold star they can eat?
One whole fruit has over 30% of daily amount of vitamin C and like strawberries, make another great alternative to your winter citrus.
#7 – Leafy Greens
Although many of us can access our favorite leafy greens year round, nothing is sweeter than the spring varieties. Gem lettuce, baby spinach – these spring greens and a great way of changing up your winter vegetable selection.
Be it in a sandwich, a smoothie or a salad, springtime leafy greens brighten up any meal.
#8 – Mini Watermelons
Be it pigs, puppies or watermelons, everything is better when it comes in a miniature version.
Although “I carried a watermelon” may not have quite the same impressive effect when referring to one a quarter of the full sized version, the flavor will certainly have an impact on your tastebuds.
For anyone like me who loves the refreshing taste of watermelon, these mini ones have all the flavor at a more convenient size.
Simply cut into wedges and eaten alone or added to a springtime fruit salad, mini watermelons are one to get down on your grocery list.
Helen Sanders is chief editor at HealthAmbition.com. Established in 2012, Health Ambition has grown rapidly in recent years. Our goal is to provide easy-to-understand health and nutrition advice that makes a real impact. We pride ourselves on making sure our actionable advice can be followed by regular people with busy lives.
