Spring is under way and this is one of the best seasons to enjoy fresh, healthy ingredients.
The trouble is, it can also be a time to overindulge as Easter gets underway and copious amounts of chocolate, alcohol and processed foods are consumed too.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring however. Here are some simple recipes for inspiration and to help you step into spring…
1. Chopped Apple Salad
Apples are a high in soluble fiber known as pectin, meaning they are excellent for digestion and making you feel fuller for longer. Walnuts are a good source of Vitamin E, Omega-3 fats and antioxidants. While raw goat’s cheese is a good source of probiotics. Get this simple apple salad recipe here.
2. Greek Salad with Lemon and Oregano
This delicious Greek salad is fresh and filling. Cucumber and lemon are cleansing, kalamata olives are a good source of iron, fiber, calcium and Vitamin A. Red pepper and tomatoes are also high in Vitamin C and can play a major part in boosting the health of the immune system. Get this simple Greek salad recipe here.
3. Carrot Soup with Fennel Pesto
Carrots are a rich source of Vitamin A and antioxidants. Fennel can help with lowering blood cholesterol, potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease. Garlic also contains a compound called allicin that has potent medicinal properties that can boost the immune system and fend off colds and flu. Find out how to make this simple carrot soup with fennel pesto recipe.
4. Crustless Spinach Quiche
Without the crust, this quiche is a much lighter and healthy version on an old favourite. Spinach is rich in protein, fiber, niacin, zinc and potassium. Eggs can also be a good source of protein and Vitamin B2, the latter of which plays an essential role in energy production in the body. If you’re vegan or don’t eat eggs, you might want to consider using an egg replacement instead. Get this tasty Crustless Spinach Quiche recipe.
5. Wild Salmon & Broccoli with Buckwheat Penne
Salmon is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, niacin, along with Vitamins B6, B12, Vitamin D and Selenium. Broccoli is a good source of fiber along with multiple vitamins and minerals. While Buckwheat is rich in copper, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. Try this Wild Salmon & Broccoli Buckwheat Penne recipe.
6. Chocolate Chia Cookies
Chia seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber and even calcium. Combine with chocolate to create a delicious dessert in the form of these cookies. The perfect alternative to Easter eggs or chocolate cake! Get the Chocolate Chia Cookies recipe here.
Recommended Examples
Really Healthy Pasta™ Buckwheat with Golden Flax Seeds Penne – Made from Buckwheat, this is a gluten-free, non-GMO and organic way to enjoy pasta without any wheat or unwanted health side effects. Available from Good Health Naturally in fusilli or penne shapes.
Really Healthy™ Organic Sprouted Buckwheat Flour – Sprouted, gluten-free and organic Buckwheat flour is a nutritious way to bake pancakes, pasta, cookies and all other forms of baking. Use as a healthy alternative to wheat based flour.