Wellness Club — Produce Picks for Spring
Abingdon, VA. -
Friday, May 1, 2020.
Written by: Elizabeth Hall, MS, RDN, LDN, Food City Registered Dietitian
Spring is in the air! Spring is a time for renewal and to restore healthy habits that may have slacked during the cold winter months. When we talk about healthy eating, we often focus on what not to eat instead of highlighting foods we should be adding to our daily routines. Spring is a perfect time to hit the reset button and add these produce picks to your plate:
Green Veggies: Broccoli, Brussels, Asparagus
Green produce contains the antioxidants lutein, beta-carotene, and kaempferol which are important for eye health and have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. These foods are typically high in fiber, which plays a key role in digestive and heart health, as well as iron, which help our bodies make red blood cells.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus are members of the cruciferous vegetable family and not only have lots of fiber, but also may help reduce risk of certain cancers. A great way to prepare these nutrient-rich veggies is to drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until they are bright in color and caramelized.
Salads: Homemade, Pre-made
Nothing says spring like a crisp crunchy salad! Salads are a great way to eat different vegetables in one dish. You can also get in a variety of colors this way which is important to make sure you are consuming different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Of course, making your own salad at home can be a work of art and allow you to customize the ingredients to what you want. However, pre-made salad kits from the produce department make salads so convenient and easy!
Berries: Strawberries, Blueberries
Fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries are juicy and delicious – is there anything better? Berries are high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant which helps to neutralize free radicals that could build up in the body and cause disease.
We even get some local berries in our area which is a great way to enjoy these delicious fruits while supporting your local economy. Add berries to yogurt, oatmeal, desserts, or eat them as is for a delicious treat!