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Take Advantage of Spring's Colorful Bounty

Through different seasonal foods, nature provides us with the nutrients we need.

Winter produces a wealth of citrus fruits containing an abundance of vitamin C to help fight colds. Spring offers a variety of fruits that contain water, fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients specific to the season.

Take Advantage of Spring's Colorful Bounty

In spring, we often crave salads and fruit more than in winter. This is because they refresh us and satisfy our hunger and thirst. Furthermore, they help keep our skin well nourished and hydrated right before summer.

Seasonal foods also provide us with an excellent source of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are substances produced by plants that are good for your health and can help prevent health problems like cancer.

The bright colors of fruit and vegetables are not only  appealing, they indicate the main nutrients the food contains. For example, red or orange fruits and vegetables provide us with betacarotenes (powerful antioxidants linked to cancer prevention). The red substance in tomatoes also contains lycopenes. Green leafy vegetables provide a rich source of calcium and iron, which help keep our bones strong and prevent anemia. Green, yellow, and orange citrus fruit provides us with vitamin C. Strawberries, cherries, and other familiar fruit also contain this vitamin. Vitamin C helps strengthen our immune system.

Take advantage of seasonal foods when you can. They help us stay healthy and allow us to enjoy an array of different colors, flavors, and textures that enrich our diet and appeal to our palate.

Follow these tips and take advantage of the food Mother Nature has provided:

  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Eat fruit whole to benefit from the fiber in the peel.
  • Drink fruit juice instead of soda.
  • Eat raw or steamed fruits and vegetables since they preserve their nutritional properties.
  • Wash fruit and vegetables very well before eating.
  • Prepare delicious salads, soups, and vegetable dishes every day. Add more vegetables to your beef, chicken, or fish stews.
  • Eat fruit and vegetables between meals instead of junk food full of fat and sugar.

Fill your plate with color this spring and improve the health of yourself and your family!

*Nutritionist from the MyDiet™ Team

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