2 Freshen up your eating habits this spring Spring is a time of renewal. Keep that in mind if you’re looking to give your eating habits a boost while creating new flavors in your kitchen. Why not try a fresh approach to eating this spring? Eating a variety of healthy foods, including plenty of produce, can help you feel your best and may lower your chances of developing some chronic diseases and certain types of cancer. And since fruits and veggies are usually low in calories and high in fiber, which fills you up, eating more of them may help with weight control. Spring selections Take advantage of spring’s bounty by stocking up on seasonal produce. Fruits and veggies taste best when they’re in season. And, because they’re fresh from the field or orchard, they tend to retain more healthy nutrients. Eating more seasonal produce also may save you money, since fruits and vegetables usually cost less when they’re in season. The best way to give your body all the nutrients it needs is to choose a wide variety of healthy foods, including many types of produce. Try to include these spring favorites: Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Asparagus. This spring staple packs vitamins A and K, plus folate, iron, and more. Serve it as a dinner side, or add it to pastas and stir-fries. Steamed or roasted spears are delicious and easy to prepare. Drizzle with olive oil, and add pepper and your favorite herbs. Strawberries. These nutritional dynamos pack plenty of vitamin C and fiber, among other nutrients. They’re delicious as snacks and desserts, of course. But for a new twist, try adding fresh strawberry slices to a green or pasta salad seasoned with citrus and herbs. Spinach. This leafy green veggie is rich in vitamins and minerals that help with bone, eye, and immune health and more. Try it in salads, sautés, sandwiches, omelets, and smoothies.
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