Spring has sprung! There are 2 major nutrition questions I receive every spring:

  1. What diet is best to tone up or lose weight?
  2. My calves are cramping up. What exercises fix this?

Great news, these are both answered with nutrition, and that nutrition involves drinking water and more green veggies.

Why?

Green veggies contain fiber and vitamin K (along with others). They pack a lot of hunger-satiation without a lot of calories. With people generally being more active in spring, they also sweat more, hence losing valuable electrolytes. Green veggies and water can help the body replenish to decrease muscle cramping.

Great news! Spring brings the rise of green veggies being in season to match your spring training.  Here are the top in-season spring veggies to seek out & few recipe ideas:

  • Broccoli: Broccoli is wonderful raw with a bit of hummus. Looking for more creativity? Try these top 9 easy recipes from AllRecipes.
  • Pea pods: Pea pods are also a wonderful grab n’ go snack. Looking for a healthy stir fry? Try this pea pod and carrot stir fry from Eating Well.
  • Asparagus: Roasted or grilled are my favorites. Oven-roasting at 400 for 10 minutes provides a quick and easy side dish.
  • Brussels sprouts: While I enjoy them oven-roasted by themselves, many people seek more flavor. Try this shallot and balsamic glaze recipe from Skinny Taste.
  • Kohlrabi: Wondering what to do with this one? Oven-roasting or steaming are my go-to no-fuss favorites. It’s like cauliflower, though, you can turn it into many things! Learn more about this mysterious veggie and how to prep it at The Kitchn.
  • The potpourri of green leafy things: Kale, spinach, chard, and more. I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of salads, so the leafy greens go into my protein shakes. You’ll never know they are hiding there! Amp up your mix n’ match nutrient-packed shake repertoire with this amazing infographic from Precision Nutrition.
  • Lettuces: Romaine and butter lettuce are my top choices. They do lend themselves to the base of any salad, but they are also a great bread substitute to make healthy wraps! If you seek inspiration beyond the basic, try this Food Network recipe.

Which greens will you try next, and what are your favorite ways to enjoy them? Feel free to share thoughts and even your own favorite recipes! Let’s Go Green for spring!