Spring Clean Your Food Routine

As we march into springtime we see buds blooming, grass growing, leaves sprouting, less darkness and warmer temperatures. We may be spring cleaning our home, apartment, clearing the clutter, swapping out our wardrobe, but why not apply spring cleaning to our food choices as well. Time to plant the seed to #feedtheneed with the #wealthonourshelf.

Think lighten up and brighten up. Gray days give way to blue skies, chilly weather is replaced by warmth so our food choices can change seasons too. Just as we may discard extra clothing layers and simplify, going with brighter colors and lighter weight apparels, we can do a food wardrobe makeover as well.

Color Up The Plate With Fruits & Veggies

Orange carrots, citrus fruits, peaches/nectarines

Yellow mango, pineapple, banana, lemons, grapefruit

Green and dark green leafy vegetables, asparagus, avocado, kiwi, broccoli, Bok choy, celery, cabbage, peas, limes, pears, leeks

Purple beets

Red strawberries, tomatoes, apples

Blueberries

White mushrooms, onions, parsnips, cauliflower, potatoes

Here are some produce-packed ways to bring new life to your plate:

Bring The Crunch

• Add chopped celery or carrots to a tuna or egg salad
• Include raw broccoli/cauliflower as dippers
• Slice a pear or apple into a salad
• Make a raw grated beet, arugula and grapefruit or peach salad

Capitalize On The Flavor

• Onions added to a stir fry, dip or salad
• Citrus fruit and zest mixed with greens and olive oil for a light, bright salad
• Sweet/tart flavor of pineapple /mango mixed into a salsa or a stir fry

Add The Dreamy & Creamy

• Avocado in a smoothie
• Avocado to add the richness to a broccoli bisque
• Avocado instead of cream to add a delightful mouthfeel to a spring pasta
• Hip hip puree to pureed parsnips, potatoes, peas and leeks in a spring-focused soup

Try An Old Fav A New Way

• Liven up your salad with different greens such as red leaf lettuce and arugula
• Add some tropical flavor to a smoothie with mangoes and pineapple
• Try a pasta dish with peas, asparagus, Parmesan and lemon zest
• Serve steamed and cooled marinated asparagus spears for a spring salad- I love a mustard, shallot vinaigrette

Produce brings the flavor, the fiber, the fluid, the vitamins and minerals and the plant nutrients to put some pep in your step, pizazz to your palate and health benefits in every bite. So bring the rainbow to the plate with produce in your glass, bowl or plate to make your eating plan great!