Your spring menu

How to spring clean your menu for optimal health!

If you’re part of my Health Tribe, you’ll already have received this piece of spring sunshine through your virtual mailbox – my essential Spring into Action Menu. Today, I’m going to build on this advice with a closer look at what you should be filling your fridges and freezers with this season. We’ll go beyond the month in hand to make sure you’re well prepared.

The newsletter followed my 21 Day Spring into Action Challenge which saw many of you enjoying a healthier March. I loved your enthusiasm and am still here to support those looking to #SpringintoAction this April. Start today; read this post for all the details.

Back to our fridges, why does it matter whether we eat seasonally? Because that’s when produce is in its prime! And by prime, we mean most abundant in those vitamins, minerals and antioxidants I’m talking about whenever I encourage you to join me in eating the rainbow!

Not only can eating in harmony with the seasons offer a nutritional boost, but it tends to be more environmentally and purse-friendly as you remove the need to long-haul your produce to your local neighbourhood.

As we know, spring is that time of year when new life is popping up everywhere. You only need look in the nearest field – or even your neighbour’s windowsill garden – to witness this! This opens up some exciting possibilities when it comes to the fresh produce available to us.

As I mentioned in the Health Tribe mailing, spring naturally tends to shift us towards lighter dishes. However, I’m conscious this doesn’t always happen and, at the time of writing, we’re still enjoying some chilly winds, gales and downpours amidst the sunshine.

Our best method of action? To give your body a gentle nudge by swotting up on what’s in season and enjoying as much of this produce as you can.

An extra tip: you can always shift your cooking methods to suit the British weather, for example, choosing warm vegetable salads over fridge-chilled dishes.

 

What’s in season in April?

 

Asparagus (the early crop), Jersey Royal New Potatoes, Broccoli, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Radishes, Spring Onions, Watercress, Cabbage, Rocket, Beetroot, Jerusalem Artichokes, Parsnips and Chicory. Plus, Celeriac, Sweet Potatoes and Leeks (all nearing the end of their season)

Banana, Rhubarb, Grapefruit, Lemons

Halibut, Sardines, Oysters, Cockles, Crab, Plaice, Salmon

Lamb, Venison

Wild garlic, Chives, Sorrel, Dill, Basil

 

What’s in season in May?

 

Asparagus (in its prime, but get it while you can!), Chicory; Cabbage, Chervil, New Potatoes, Radishes, Lamb’s Lettuce, Lettuce, Peas, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Carrots, Wild nettles, Cauliflowers, Aubergines, Mange Tout

Apricots, Gooseberry, Banana, Grapefruit (coming to an end), Nectarines, Rhubarb, Strawberries (early season); Kiwis

Halibut, Sardines, Crab, Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna, Lemon Sole, Sea Bass

Beef, Lamb, Duck

Seasoning

Mint; Oregano, Nasturtium, Curly Leaf Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Sorrel, Basil, Chives, Dill, Samphire, Fennel

You’ll note there are a good few crossovers as the season transitions from month to month, yet also plenty of new arrivals. In my mind, this is perfect! Not only can you play around with some carryover recipes but you can keep yourself inspired with the enjoyment of learning what to do with new ingredients.

 

How to use your new Spring Menu finds…

 

1. Experiment with what you know. Play with your usual menu, starting with small swops. In the newsletter, I recommended squeezing fresh lemon juice into your breakfast smoothie, scattering spring onions onto your lunch, making a crab supper salad and topping your roasted seasonal veg with some wild garlic pesto. The simplest of changes will bring some spring to your plate!
2. Experiment with something new. As your confidence grows, and for the creative among you, try finding some new recipes and making your own. You always have the AP recipe page for inspiration.

Now it’s over to you to tell me what’s topping your #SpringintoAction plates! Let me know in the comments and be sure to tag me in your pictures on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.

Want to get more wellness news, inspiration and recipes to your inbox? Join my (free) Health Tribe!

Nourishing well wishes,

Angelique

Consult your doctor or health care practitioner for any health problems, and before embarking on any new health regimes, using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications or food programmes.