Spring is in the air, at least in Southern California. Either way, it’s not too far around the corner for the rest of us.  Let’s embrace this season in the most appropriate way…with food of course.  I’ll give you a few tips on my favorite spring vegetables and how to get them on your plate for a balanced diet

One of the most beautiful vegetables coming into season is the artichoke. They are packed with a ton of potassium and fiber, which makes it the perfect go to snack. The fiber will help control your hunger while also cleansing your system.  The potassium will boost your energy and replenish the body with its natural electrolytes.

Another favorite vegetable that is coming into season is broccoli.  Although you can find broccoli throughout the year, it’s going to be at its peak performance during spring.   The flavor is also going to be much more sweet and delicious.  Broccoli is full of fiber, which we know is a great thing for our bodies. It helps with digestion, and is shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.  Broccoli is also a great source of Beta-carotene, which is an amazing and powerful antioxidant. This protects the body from toxins and rids the body of toxins that we have already consumed.  I like to eat foods that not only help with weight loss, but also help heal and enrich the skin so you look as fantastic as you feel.  Roast broccoli with golden raisins, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil. You will be in for a treat.  If you make extra, you can have it with rice or whole grain pasta for lunch the next day.

One of my favorite fruits coming into season is the apricot. They are treats in any form, weather it be jam, dried, or just a ripe apricot from the market.  They are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. If you are starting a new work out routine, eating potassium for breakfast is a good idea.  Potassium will replenish your system for the entire day. When your body is depleted of electrolytes, it can cause muscle cramps, most commonly in your legs.

Try this apricot recipe to get your day started:

1 ripe apricot

2 T wheat germ

4 frozen strawberries

½ container low fat vanilla yogurt

½ cup ice

Splash orange juice, water, or milk.

Put everything in blender add enough liquid to make smoothie consistency.

The smoothie is around 120 calories.

Alright diligent, strong, amazing, beautiful people you are officially ready to eat spring vegetables, remember to sprinkle every meal for ultimate results.

XO – Kelsey

Posted in Main at February 9th, 2010 by Kelsey
Tags: Healthy eating, Sensa recipes
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