Spring brings thoughts of enjoying the outdoors, being more active and healthy eating. Flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer; it is time to bring out the grill and a great time to enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables of spring. The best news about all the wonderful fresh spring fruits and vegetables is they are all naturally gluten-free! You can enjoy them thoroughly as they are chock full of great nutrition!

The spring season brings in a new crop of fresh salad greens, wonderful asparagus and the first of the berries. Not only do these foods help reawaken our taste buds from the long winter months, they also offer a wealth of great nutrients.

Check out your local farmer’s market or community supported farms for the freshest local products.
The tender young greens offer great sources of fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A and C. The dark greens also provide a good source of iron. Swiss chard in particular, is a great source of iron. It is important to remember that iron sources from your dark green leafy vegetables need to be combined either with a rich source of vitamin C or with an animal protein; egg, chicken, cheese to be absorbed. These combinations are easier than it sounds. Rich sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, oranges and strawberries. These are all great additions to a salad for a low calorie, low fat and iron rich meal. Vegetables do not have to be limited to side dishes!

Spring vegetables also make great additions to a main dish. Penne Alfredo with roasted asparagus is a mouth-watering treat that tastes like a fresh spring day! Add some watercress or tender spinach to your sandwich, eggs, or even in your homemade soup! Spring onions (scallions) add a fresh flavor to an antipasto appetizer tray

There are not many fruits popping out in April, but the berries are a welcome sign of spring. Enjoy these until the bounty of summer fruits come to market. Berries provide a good source of Vitamin C in addition to fiber and some trace minerals. Using the berries in a fresh salad makes even the most common dinner feel like an adventure. As they are high in vitamin C, they also help increase iron absorption from the greens. The berries can be incorporated into delectable desserts that are also a low fat low calorie treat.

The grill can be a great way to enjoy some of the seasonal vegetables. Try grilled asparagus, zucchini and eggplant for a low fat high nutrient side dish. Season the vegetables with fresh herbs and seasoned salt for a delectable taste.

If you feel a little more spring in your step, you can thank the nutrient packed fresh fruits and vegetables of the season.

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