Spring is a time for new beginnings—a fresh start, if you will. Those of us in Grand Rapids all crave the feeling of a brisk fifty- to sixty-degree day and the smell of blossoming greenery after a long, dark winter. Our bodies feel this craving to our core, even down to the foods we eat.
March is National Nutrition Month, so it’s a great opportunity to clean out your closet AND clean up your diet for better health. Let’s review a few ways we can spruce up our nutritional and hormone health this spring.
Get in some greens. Seems pretty boring, I know, but there’s something special about greens in the spring. After focusing their nutrients into their roots all winter, spring is the time plants send all their nutrients into their leaves, which makes leafy greens extra nutritious during the springtime! Aim for 1-2 servings of leafy greens daily, such as spinach, kale, arugula, bok choy, or Swiss chard.
Too busy for a big salad? Try microgreens! Microgreens are immature “baby” greens grown from regular vegetables or herbs. Examples include beet, sunflower, pea, arugula, spinach, radish, broccoli, and many more. Microgreens are special because their nutrients have been found to be higher than the mature forms of these vegetables. They are small additions that pack a huge nutritional punch! Sprinkle them on top of sandwiches, salads, eggs, pasta, meat, fish, soup, or add them to smoothies.
Be aware of histamine-producing foods for allergies. With spring comes blossoming plants, flowers, and POLLEN! Did you know some foods contain histamine and can make allergy responses worse? These foods include aged cheeses (gouda, parmesan, cheddar), processed meats (pepperoni, salami, sausages), alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and champagne), fermented foods (sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi), and shellfish. Consider decreasing these foods during the springtime.
Add in artichokes. Artichokes are a springtime gem! They are a great source of fiber, prebiotics, and antioxidants. They can also be added to your diet in various ways depending on the amount of time you have. Try fresh if you have the time, or enjoy marinated and jarred or canned artichoke hearts if you’re shorter on time. They can be easily added to pastas, dips, pizzas, salads, and antipasto platters.
With these tips, you’ll be enjoying springtime and warm weather in good health in no time. Cross your fingers for early spring, friends…It’s right around the corner!
Optimize Your Nutrition with GenAge
GenAgeCenter, located in the Grand Rapids Area, is a medical practice focused on optimizing health and longevity. Our physicians and specialists take a holistic approach to wellness. By combining a data-backed approach to fitness, nutrition, sleep and stress, we help our clients achieve their goals. To learn more about how we can create a personalized health and wellness plan for you, schedule an evaluation today.
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