Spring Means Fresh Eating

I took the opportunity this past Saturday to visit the Market Square farmer’s market. It was great to see the market so busy, and great to hear so many people asking the vendors if they use pesticides on their fruits and vegetables.Spring is the perfect time to re-evaluate our diets and think more carefully about the food we put into our bodies. Below are some superfoods to incorporate into daily meals. Eating well helps us to look, feel and perform our best and these superfoods are health boosters with a nutritional punch – sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients.• ALMONDSThe most nutritionally dense nut provides fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E and iron.• AVOCADOSThey are loaded with fiber and contain healthy monounsaturated or good fat that helps to lower bad cholesterol.• BEANSBeans of any variety are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, protein and B vitamins. Adding them to your diet may decrease the risk of diabetes and heart disease.• BLUEBERRIESThey contain more antioxidants than any other fruit. Blueberries are also packed with vitamins C and K, as well as manganese.• BROCCOLIBroccoli is packed with disease-fighting compounds. It contains lots of vitamin C and folate, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and stroke.• KALEThis hearty green is an anti-inflammatory food. It contains omega-3 fatty acids which fight against arthritis and auto-immune disorders.• SWEET POTATOESHigh in vitamin A, sweet potatoes can play a role in maintaining good vision, fighting inflammation and protecting the immune system.I’ve eaten my fair share of strawberries this summer. Also known as nature’s candy, strawberries are packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, manganese and magnesium. I also tried a new recipe this past weekend that really makes strawberries seem like nature’s candy. Wash the strawberries and cut off the stems. Spread them out on a baking pan, pop them in an oven at 210 degrees and leave them in there for three hours. They are incredible!