Spring is in full bloom! With May finally, here it means we see an increase in fruits and vegetables that have our back. May is all about reaping the benefits of April’s rainfall and the hard work of all those pollinators. All the water from last month commonly brings with it means the fruits and vegetables are full of hydration. Spring fruits and vegetables are chock-full of metabolic boosting foods. Most, if not all of us, are looking to shed our winter coats. What better way to do just that than to fill your plate with powerful fruits and vegetables designed to burn fat and even slow down aging. Just like that, spring has just become one of all of our favorite seasons.

Let’s face it, we all want to look and feel our best. One of the best ways to do just that is by providing our bodies with the building blocks they need. During the month of May, mother nature fills our cupboards with fruits and vegetables that help bring out the best in all of us. Spring fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that support immunity, slow aging, boost metabolic rate, improve oral health, reduce seasonal allergies, and more! The following is a list of the best fruits in May along with their health benefits.

Celeriac 

Celery root also known as celeriac is ridiculously nutritious, containing B vitamins, vitamins C and K, and the minerals potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc. It also provides a small amount of the antioxidants lutein and Zeaxanthin. Packed full of antioxidants and high in vitamin C, celeriac can help to fight off free radical damage, reducing oxidative stress, strengthening your immunity, and protecting you from illness. All those lovely B vitamins can help to calm your nervous system, support adrenal function, balance mood and improve your sleep patterns while also keeping your energy up. Vitamin K is vital for bone health and research has shown that those with a higher dietary intake of vitamin K have a reduced risk of bone fractures. One cup of raw bumpy, lumpy celeriac provides 64mcg of this bone-strengthening vitamin, a hefty chunk of your recommended daily intake.

Restorative Zucchini

Zucchini contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Cooked zucchini is particularly high in vitamin A, though raw zucchini contains slightly less. Zucchini boasts several antioxidants that may provide various health benefits. The highest levels are found in the fruit’s skin. Zucchini is rich in water and fiber, two compounds that can promote healthy digestion by reducing your risk of constipation and symptoms of various gut disorders. Zucchini’s fiber may increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. The fiber, potassium, and carotenoids in zucchini may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. Zucchini is rich in manganese, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A and C — nutrients that contribute to healthy vision and may lower your risk of age-related eye conditions.

Zucchini is rich in water and fiber yet low in calories, all of which may help reduce hunger and help you feel full — potentially leading to weight loss over time. Zucchini may benefit bone, thyroid, and prostate health. It may also have anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made. Zucchini can be eaten raw or cooked in soups, stews, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and more.

Perfect Peas

Peas are high in protein which is one of the biggest reasons people want to add them to their diet. They are also high in fiber making them a great way to promote weight loss. Peas can help regulate blood sugar levels and heart health. They are great at improving liver function and reducing the risk for kidney disease. Peas are high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which is great for anti-aging. Their high levels of micronutrients make them ideal for aiding in pregnancy. Peas not only help improve bone strength they also boost muscle thickness. They help lower cholesterol levels and improve eyesight. Not to mention peas are also great for increasing energy levels and boosting your immune system. Now that you have a few new reasons to love peas here is an amazing recipe to make sure you get them into your diet.

Awesome Asparagus

Asparagus is great for weight loss for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is its high fiber content. It is also a natural diuretic and contains inulin which aids in digestion by increasing good bacterial flora. Asparagus is great for regulating blood sugar levels and contains saponins such as diosgenin which help improve blood pressure. It helps to detox the body and increase energy levels due to its high concentration of B-complex vitamins. Asparagus also helps increase the production of red blood cells and the vitamin K content helps promote heart and bone health. But wait there’s more. Asparagus is high in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants and contains glutathione which detoxifies and fights carcinogens. It is definitely a vegetable that should make it on your plate this season! 

Calming Cucumbers

Cucumber is considered a good source of nutritious fiber that will help your body function properly. The combination of fiber and water in cucumbers can help prevent constipation and can increase regularity. This is why dieticians advise diabetics to consume it regularly, as it can cause the pancreas to secrete the right amount of insulin, thus helping in regulating the sugar produced. Cucumbers are also a source of calcium necessary to eliminate the risks of low bone density and fractures. Do not fail to add cucumber to your diet, as you will enjoy having strong bones and cartilages despite advancing in years. Cucumber also helps to improve the absorption of calcium, enhancing the repair of bone muscles. Cucumber is known for its anti-cancer properties. It can reduce the spread of cancerous cells throughout the body and decrease the risk of cancer cells developing in your body.

The water content and Vitamin C present in cucumber can arrest the spread of damaged cells in your body, thus saving you from multiple chronic inflammatory conditions, including heart ailments. The antioxidants in cucumber will fight inflammation by boosting the immune effects of your body. Sulfur and silicon present in cucumber can help strengthen and rejuvenate your hair. You will have improved hair growth with the hair becoming soft and silky to the touch. The water content of cucumber can flush out all toxins from your body. This can go a long way in preventing kidney stones while the existing stones and debris present in the bladder get removed from the body by urination.

Pea Pesto Risotto

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 2

• ⅔  cup Peas Frozen
• ½  cup Spinach
• ¼  cup Walnuts
• ½  cup Watercress
• 2 Tbsp Vegan Parmesan
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 6 green onions sliced
• ⅔  cup Risotto Rice
• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• 2 cup Vegetable Stock

Directions:

Cook the peas in boiling water for 2 minutes and drain. Transfer half of the cooked peas, spinach, watercress, all of the walnuts, vegan parmesan, 2 Tbsp water, salt, and pepper to taste. Heat the olive oil in a pan with garlic and onions. Cook stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes. Garlic and onions should be soft but not browned. Stir in rice and lemon zest. Add a ladleful of hot stock to the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the stock has been absorbed. Repeat the process until the stock is gone. This should take 15-20 minutes. Once all of the stock is gone, stir in the lemon juice, pea puree, and the reserved peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top the risotto with the remaining watercress, spinach, and more parmesan.

Spring Detox Salad

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 4

• 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets
• 14 oz can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 Apple cubed
• 2 Avocados cubed
• 1 Shallot minced
• Chili Powder, Salt, and Pepper to taste
• 1 Handful Parsley and Mint chopped
• 5 Radishes thinly sliced
• 2 Carrots diced

Dressing:

• 2 Tbsp Grainy Mustard
• 1/4 cup Avocado Oil
• 2 Tbsp Agave Syrup
• 1/4 cup Water
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place chickpeas onto a non-stick baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste. Roast the chickpeas for 20-30 minutes or until crispy and browned. Process the cauliflower in a food processor until you have created rice. Combine all the ingredients for the dressing and mix well. To assemble the salad toss all the ingredients into a bowl and top with the dressing. Make sure to toss the salad and ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed. I like to top mine with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.

Crunchy Detox Salad

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 6

• 2 cups Cauliflower diced
• 1 cup Red cabbage diced
• 2 cups Broccoli diced
• 1 cup carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 1 1/2 cups parsley chopped
• 1/2 cup almond slivered
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds

Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp Avocado oil
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 Tbsp Agave Syrup
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients for the dressing into a bowl and mix well. In a large bowl combine all the ingredients for the salad and top with the dressing. Make sure to toss the salad and evenly cover the entire salad in the dressing.

Curried Cauliflower Soup

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 4

• 1 large head of cauliflower chopped
• 4 Tbsp coconut oil divided
• 1 white onion
• 3 Tbsp Thai red curry paste
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 14 oz full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp coconut sugar
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup green onions chopped
• 1 Tbsp chopped basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• jalapeno thinly sliced

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss the cauliflower in oil just enough to lightly coat. Spread the cauliflower out onto a sheet and roast until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. In a large soup pot, heat 1 Tbsp of coconut oil. Add in the onions and salt. Cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and lemon zest. Raise the temperature to medium-high heat, add the wine and continue to cook stirring often until the wine has evaporated.

Add in the roasted cauliflower, broth, milk, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5-10 minutes stirring often. Remove from the heat. Let the soup cool for a few minutes prior to using an immersion blender and blending smooth. Stir in 1 tsp vinegar and seasoning. Taste and add in more vinegar if needed. Top with roasted cauliflower and jalapeno.

Get Started Today

Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. There are tons of foods you can add to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so important and realistically everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis I have taken the time to put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem difficult to get into (due to limited space) and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!

 Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help, I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!