Many Brits will gladly welcome the first day of spring on the 20th of March after a cold and wet winter. As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, we refresh our homes, wardrobes, and mindsets in anticipation of this much-loved season.
But is there a way to spring clean our diets too? Expert nutritionist, Lily Keeling from recipe box delivery service, Green Chef comments,
“Spring is the ideal time to reassess our diets and adjust them in line with seasonal shifts. It’s the perfect opportunity to swap hearty winter stews for the fresher, more vibrant flavours of spring and summer.
“As part of this, I recommend looking into which seasonal produce is now available to you. In the UK, much of our veg is stocked all year-round, but you may notice a few new arrivals. Asparagus, radishes, rhubarb, and strawberries are at their best between April and June and can be used to create a number of tasty dishes.
“Similarly, consider opting for some crisp, colourful salads packed with flavour when moving into spring. You might also want to incorporate more fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as cucumber, watermelon, and tomatoes, to stay hydrated as temperatures begin to rise.”
When it comes to your nutritional intake, Lily recommends the following adjustments.
“As spring arrives, it’s natural for your activity levels to increase. With more time spent outdoors and moving your body, it’s important to adjust your diet accordingly, particularly your protein and carbohydrate intake. Be sure to include a variety of protein sources, such as tofu, eggs and fish.
“Similarly, while we tend to crave more carbohydrates in winter to fuel our bodies against the cold, spring is a great time to rebalance our diet. Instead of relying heavily on starchy carbs, consider incorporating more fibre-rich options like quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas, which can help to support digestion.
“Alongside this, increasing your fibre intake from fresh vegetables can do wonders for gut health. High-fibre foods such as artichokes, peas, and leeks are excellent choices, while nuts like almonds and peanuts offer an easy way to boost fibre intake throughout the day.”
To discover more recipe inspiration, visit Green Chef’s new recipe hub.