Seasonal eating habits to help boost your energy, productivity and momentum as we head towards Spring

Hasn’t the weather this last week been just wonderful? The mild temperatures and bright skies are a stark contrast to this same time last year – especially with last week seeing the warmest February day since records began. It is no surprise, therefore, that the shift into Spring feels very definite now – despite the Equinox still being almost a month away.

As you move into connection with the new energy in the air you will be beginning to instinctively shed your bulky Winter layers – lightening and freshening your wardrobe and your home. If you try applying this same mindset to your diet, you will be creating for yourself the best possible foundation from which to kickstart the seasonal transition.

Spring is the season for new beginnings, and by making small changes to your eating habits you can begin to feel better, look better and even slim down. We’ve put together some seasonal eating tips to help maximise your energy and productivity in line with the approaching potential of Spring.

Back to Basics

Checking ingredients will encourage you to make healthier choices – or you can try taking it to the next level by avoiding pre-packaged foods with ingredients labels altogether, and instead prepare meals from pure ingredients and single food items. Experiment with adding different vegetable sides to each meal, and prepare snacks to take with you on the go of berries, dried apricots or sunflower seeds.

Seasonal Produce

Spring is the ultimate season for buying fresh produce, and by choosing seasonal fruit and veg you are ensuring your food is at its peak – packed with maximum nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, and rich in flavour. Buying from farmers markets, and other local producers, will cost you less and guarantee each item’s freshness.

Finding ways to incorporate some of this season’s superfoods will keep you feeling fresh and energised throughout the day. For veg, think spinach, varied lettuce leaves, radishes, fresh artichoke and aspargus, spring onions and squash. For fruit, think strawberries, cherries, apricots and mixed berry types.

Tips to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals:

• Spiralise squash to replace spaghetti – and top with a simple homemade sauce using spinach and artichoke.
• Make big salads for lunch – mix it up and play around with produce and ingredients. Add radishes for crunch, and strawberries or green apple slices for sweet flavour.
• Experiment with different juice and smoothie combinations using seasonal Spring produce – see below for some inspiration.

Juicing

Creating your own fresh juices is an easy and cost effective way to feel your best, detoxify your system and kickstart incorporating a variety fresh food into your daily diet this season. Blending your fruit and veg into a juice eliminates the need for your body to break down the fiber, enabling all nutrients to be absorbed immediately into your bloodstream – meaning you don’t have a wait to feel any positive effects, and will experience a natural energy boost straight away.

A simple recipe to get you started:

2 beets, peeled and chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 green apple
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled
2 stalks celery

Nurture your Microbial Garden

Incorporating food with probiotic bacteria, such as yoghurt, as well as prebiotic sources, such as garlic, beans and bananas, into your daily diet will help balance and nurture you from the inside out.

Remember to Stay Hydrated

Sipping on water throughout out the day is one of the simplest ways to naturally maintain your energy throughout the day, and avoid unnecessary snacking – many of us are dehydrated without even realising it, and this can easily be mistaken for hunger. Try replacing your morning cuppa with a healing and cleansing mug of warm water and lemon.