Refreshing Spring and Summer Nutrition to Keep You Energized

Misconceptions of Spring & Summer Fruits:

As we enter into the Spring and Summer seasons, there is a variety of fresh fruit available in order to satisfy our appetite and rehydrate and refuel our bodies.  Some of these fruits include watermelon, pineapple, kiwis, plums, apricots and peaches!  However, many individuals believe that the carbohydrates present in fruits are harmful to our bodies.

However, fresh Spring and Summer fruits contain a plethora of essential vitamins, and nutrients that our bodies need in order to thrive and survive!  For instance, considering the delicious pineapple, it contains Vitamin C, manganese, and enzymes helping to boost immunity, and cancer risk.  Since a cup of pineapple contains around 22g of carbohydrates and natural sugars, there are several misconceptions surrounding it overall being “unhealthy” in the typical Spring and Summer diet.  However, it proves to concern a variety of health benefits that one simply can’t overlook!

In addition to pineapple, mangos are another delicious Spring and Summer food high in natural sugar and carbohydrates, containing about 25g per serving.  However, mangoes contain essential vitamins for the human body, including Vitamins A and C that are essential for cell growth, development, immunity, and reduction of oxidation stress through antioxidant functions!

When you get the craving for a fresh Spring or Summer fruit, try pineapple or mangoes!  They are absolutely delicious and will help your body continue to be both strong and healthy!

Spring & Summer Best Seasonal Produce:

Some fruits and vegetables have optimal growing and harvesting times based on different seasons. When these foods are grown in their optimal season, they can have more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and taste better! Buying these foods during their optimal seasons usually means they’re cheaper as well! (Adapted from USDA)
 

Spring Season:
 

Summer Season: 
 

Homemade Hydration Drinks to Beat the Heat:

Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 cups water (filtered or raw coconut water)

• 2 tbsp organic raw honey or organic maple syrup

• 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Electrolyte Drink:

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 cups water (filtered or raw coconut water)

• 2 tsbp organic raw honey

• 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt
   

Spring & Summer Based Recipe: Kale-Orange Salad with Red Snapper

Ingredients (to make 4 servings):

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, boil 1 ½ cups of water with the quinoa and bring to a boil. When the quinoa is cooked, drain it and let it cool. Preheat the oven to 375℉.

2. Take the red snapper and season with salt, pepper, fennel seeds and chopped parsley (can add chopped garlic as well).

3. On a baking sheet with parchment paper, drizzle oil and place the snapper skin-side down on it.

4. Once you see the skin is golden-brown, flip to the other side and cook until the other side is golden-brown. You can garnish the top of the fish with lemon slices, sliced shallots and garlic while the fish is cooking.

5. Peel the oranges and cut into slices.

6. In a bowl, add the vinegar, orange juice, any remaining shallots, and a dash of olive oil.

7. Toss the kale with the quinoa and orange slices to create a salad.

8. Finally, plate the red snapper with the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad as you please. Enjoy!