How Important is It to Eat with the Seasons?

By: Megan Barefoot

Did you know that as the seasons change, so do our bodies' nutritional needs? Just as nature transitions from the cold of winter to the warmth of spring, our diets can also benefit from a shift. Embracing seasonal eating not only connects us with nature's rhythms but also provides an array of health benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of changing up our eating patterns with the seasons and provide two delicious spring recipes to kickstart your journey to vibrant health.

Why eat seasonally?

Eating seasonally means consuming foods that are harvested at the peak of their freshness and nutritional value. If you or anyone you know is dealing with gut issues, this can help bring as much nutrition as possible into the body. Spring brings an abundance of vibrant fruits, vegetables, and herbs bursting with flavor and nutrients. By aligning our diets with the seasons, we can:

1. Optimize Nutrient Intake: Fresh, seasonal produce is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.

2. Support Local Farmers: Choosing seasonal foods supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation.

3. Enhance Flavor and Variety: Seasonal ingredients offer superior taste and texture, making meals more enjoyable and satisfying.

4. Promote Gut Health: Seasonal produce contains prebiotic fibers that nourish the gut microbiome, supporting digestion and immune function.

It’s one thing to talk about getting these foods into the body, but it's entirely different to start incorporating these foods into our everyday lives. I wanted to make sure you had some easy-to-use recipes that are fun, delicious, and don’t take hours to prepare! If you are looking for more information on spring cleansing eating check out No Shoes Nutrition’s other blogs!

Spring Recipes:

1. Spring Green Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing:

   • Ingredients:

     • Mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, and kale)

     • Sliced radishes

     • Sliced cucumber

     • Cherry tomatoes, halved

     • Avocado, diced

     • Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, or dill)

   • Lemon-Tahini Dressing:

     • 2 tablespoons tahini

     • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

     • 1 clove garlic, minced

     • 2 tablespoons water

     • Salt and pepper to taste

   • Instructions:

     1. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water until smooth.

     2. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

     3. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, radishes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and fresh herbs.

     4. Drizzle the salad with the lemon-tahini dressing and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of spring flavors!

2. Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry:

   • Ingredients:

     • Assorted spring vegetables (asparagus, snap peas, broccoli, and bell peppers)

     • Firm tofu or cooked chicken breast, sliced

     • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

     • 2 cloves garlic, minced

     • 1 tablespoon grated ginger

     • Soy sauce or tamari, to taste

     • Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving

   • Instructions:

     1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

     2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté until fragrant.

     3. Add assorted spring vegetables and tofu or chicken slices to the skillet, and stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.

     4. Season with soy sauce or tamari to taste, and continue to cook for an additional minute.

     5. Serve the spring vegetable stir-fry over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a satisfying and nourishing meal.

I know that it might not feel like it here in Calgary but as we welcome the arrival of spring, let's embrace the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available to us. By incorporating seasonal eating into our diets, we can nourish our bodies, support local farmers, and delight in the flavors of the season. Try these two spring recipes and experience the joy of eating in harmony with nature.

Do you want to know more? Are you looking for tips and tricks to support your body this spring? Would you like to know more about how you can begin to get to the root issues holding you back from reaching your health and wellness goals? Let’s chat about how holistic nutrition consulting and health coaching can help you make your own healthy changes so that you can feel your best every single day. We can provide recipes, meal and snack ideas and support changes to transform your health! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a complementary consultation. I work with individuals from all over the world, either individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!

References:

1. Environmental Working Group. "EWG's 2021 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce." Link