Spring Into Fresh Eating

Grace Belport • March 8, 2023

Spring has officially sprung. Spring marks the beginning of the growing season, the opening of farmer’s markets, when people are starting to head outside again, and don’t forget, some spring holidays like Passover, Easter, and Mother’s Day.

With all of these exciting events occurring soon, we want you to know that your weight loss goals are still a priority. That is why we want to offer you some helpful tips to fully embrace springtime and all it has to offer. Let’s go!

Making the Most of Farmer’s Markets

There are countless benefits to going to farmer’s markets (especially in the springtime) but let’s just name a few:

1. The most obvious reason is to get seasonal vegetables and herbs when they are at their peak of prime development. For spring, vegetables most in season are asparagus, artichokes, radishes, spinach, and other salad greens like arugula, lettuce, and kale. 
2. We will be skipping the grocery stores! The vegetables sold in supermarkets have gone through a lifetime before getting to your kitchen. As opposed to farmer’s markets where the produce was most likely harvested that same morning! See the difference?
3. Produce and foods at farmer’s markets are minimally processed and often grown without pesticides, antibiotics, or genetic modification.

In short, produce sold at farmers’ markets just taste better and is better for you.

How to Start a Spring Vegetable Garden

Here are just some simple steps to getting your own garden started. Let’s get gardening!

1. First, you’ll want to grab a Farmer’s Almanac. It has a lot of useful information about what grows best in your area. It will be your guide for what vegetables to choose and when is best to plant them.
2. Next, you’ll need to find quality seeds to have a successful garden. The seeds you can find at any store (like Home Depot or Lowe’s) can work pretty well, but not the best. It just depends on how much you want to put into this project.
3. You can skip the hassle of growing your own seedlings and find them at your local garden center.
4. After that, you’ll want to get the soil ready! It would be as easy as putting potting soil into a large container or taking the time to weed your garden plot in your yard. Make sure there is proper drainage if needed.
5. Check your weather forecast to make sure the last frost of the winter has occurred before you place seedlings into the ground.
6. Last but certainly not least, water and fertilize regularly.

With these 6 simple steps, you’ll be on your way to fresh spring vegetables and herbs before you know it.

Spring Holiday Recipes

Now, with all this good information on how to find and grow the best and freshest produce, put it to good use. Get in your kitchen and have some fun cooking up these spring-inspired Awaken180 recipes for some springtime gatherings like Easter or Mother’s Day.

• Deviled Eggs
• Keto Breakfast Scramble
• Lemon Pepper Asparagus
• Pickled Vegetables
• Radish Hash
• Rosemary and Garlic Lamb Rack
• Herb Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Passover Seder Plate Salad

Whether you’re growing your vegetables on your own or picking them up at your local farmers’ market; your friends, family, AND body will thank you.