SPRING CLEAN YOUR BODY || SEASONAL RECIPES || PART 1

Ah… the season of change is upon us!

As the cold of winter dwindles away, it brings in the fresh spring season. The trees begin to awaken, the flowers start to bloom, and the vibrant fruits and veggies are sprouting up for us to enjoy. This is the perfect time to “spring clean” your body!

So let’s kick start this season right by nourishing your system with vibrant, seasonal produce and pair it along with a fresh cardio-strength workout. This combination will set the tone for your body to spring into action.

THE SPRING CLEAN SERIES

This series will help you get into spring cleaning mode by incorporating seasonal foods into your daily diet and by changing up your typical movement session with a fresh new circuit.

Part 1 covers the best seasonal produce to include in your diet along with two delicious recipes you can easily prepare.

Part 2 provides you with a time efficient, cardio-strength workout that will challenge your muscles and condition your cardiovascular system.

SPRING PRODUCE

Who doesn’t love a meal that has a tasteful punch of colorful goodness in every bite?
If you answered; “Absolutely! I love delicious foods!”, then I have you covered with a few of my favorite seasonal recipes that include the best produce available during the springtime.

Grocery shopping can be fun if you know what’s in season and some simple ways to prepare a meal. The next time you head to the grocery store or local market, be on the lookout for these seasonal spring produces and get creative in your kitchen:

• Crisp spring greens

• Tender asparagus

• Spring peas

• Earthy spring mushrooms

• Colorful carrots

• Radiant radishes

• Purple Potatoes

• Artichokes

• Tarragon

• Dill weed

• Sweet strawberries

• Blooming blueberries

This list can go on, but these beauties are a sure way to spruce up your meals and deliver a powerful nutritional boost to your body.

To get your body into “spring cleaning mode”, here’s are two simple and super tasty recipes to get you started:

SPRING SOUP – CARROT GINGER TURMERIC SOUP

The Carrot Ginger Soup is an award winning spring soup that is super healthy and easy to make. It also has a turmeric kick for some extra flavor and nutrition. It delivers a bright, smooth, and velvety texture with just the right amount of spice in every bite. It’s like having a bit of sunshine in your bowl.

This soup will help “spring clean” your body with its anti-inflammatory agents of turmeric and its digestion aids of ginger to flush out toxins. This spring soup is light, refreshing, and tasty for any season.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tablespoons of coconut OR extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 large or 2 small cloves of garlic (finely grated)

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and grated)

• 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric root (peeled and grated or use ½ tsp ground)

• 1 lb carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces

• ¼ tsp parsley, or cilantro

• 4 cups (1 liter ) filtered water

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• Fresh ground pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

● Stirring constantly, heat the oil along with ginger, turmeric, garlic and dried spices in a large pot over medium heat until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Do not brown.

● Add carrots and salt, then stir to coat. Add water, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and continue to simmer until carrots are tender, (about 20-25 minutes).

● Puree soup in a high speed blender until smooth. Serve hot or chilled with freshly ground pepper. (Sprinkle with goat cheese if desired.)

Bonus: Most soups keep well in the fridge for a few days, so it’s a great one to prepare and have leftovers for the following week.

SPRING SALAD – ASPARAGUS + GREEN GOODNESS

SALAD INGREDIENTS

▪ 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces

▪ A few handfuls of baby arugula or preferred salad greens

▪ 2 radishes, thinly sliced

▪ 1 avocado, pitted and sliced

▪ 4-5 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced

▪ ¼ cup chopped, toasted pistachios (or other nuts of choice)

▪ ½ cup chopped white onion

▪ Fresh herbs (dill weed, chives, or herbs of choice)

▪ Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

▪ ¼ cup fresh chopped dill

▪ 1 small garlic clove chopped

▪ 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

▪ 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (more if desired)

▪ ¼ teaspoon sea salt

▪ ¼ teaspoon pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. ASPARAGUS:

▪ [BLANCH OPTION] Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and have a bowl of ice water ready. Blanch the asparagus for about 1 minute, until tender but still bright green. Transfer to the ice water for 1 minute, then drain. Allow the asparagus to dry and transfer it back to the bowl and coat with dressing.

▪ [RAW OPTION] Wash and cut asparagus. Place in bowl and coat with dressing.

2. DRESSING:

▪ In a small bowl, whisk the herbs, garlic, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. (Option to use a food processor to pulse ingredients together.)

▪ Add half of the dressing to the asparagus and toss to coat. Season to your liking with salt and pepper.

3. SALAD:

▪ Arrange the salad greens on a platter, then layer the asparagus, the radishes, avocado, pistachios, and herbs.

▪ Drizzle with remaining dressing, season to taste, and serve.

Incorporating seasonal produce will invigorate your body from the inside out and will have you feeling refreshed in no time.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of “Spring Clean Your Body” for a fun and effective cardio strength workout that will put an extra “hop” in your step!

Maria