We all recall the saying as children, “April showers bring May flowers.” But what else do April showers bring? Rainbows! This serves as a reminder to make your plate a beautiful array of colors.
Photo credit: Mazaletel via Flickr
Spring can bring a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. With mangos, fennel, asparagus and rhubarb in the produce aisles, get ready to excite your taste buds! Take cues from your supermarket and local farmers market for what is currently in season as they will feature the latest harvest and will also be more cost effective for your budget.
Photo Credit: Frank Kehren via Flickr
When you purchase produce in season, these fruits and vegetables will be at their peak flavor. Health benefits of consuming a variety of colored foods include antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin and minerals, dietary fiber, and hydration which help to promote a healthy heart and maintain a healthier weight.
Creating meals rich in color takes only a bit of planning and motivation to be adventurous in the kitchen. I recommend this free resource to help with meal planning: Fruits & Veggies- More Matters. This easy to navigate website includes information on what foods are in season, characteristics of each fruit and vegetable, and tips on how to keep healthy when buying on a budget.
They can also be followed on Facebook in which they post great recipes and share beautiful photos to motivate you to get more fruits and veggies onto your plate and into your mouth.
Resources:
• Fruits & Veggies- More Matters:
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/
• Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/fruitsandveggiesmorematters
Contributed by Rachel Lynn Martin, MS Candidate in Nutritional Science
California Dietetic Association - Orange District 