Using Seasonal Foods to Bring New Life to Your Menu

Spring is on its way and it's a great time to bring new life to your menu with all the tasty seasonal items that are starting to become available. Not only do you get the chance to liven up your meals, but it's also a great time to start incorporating more vegetables and fruits in your diet if you're trying to keep up a healthy lifestyle. In addition, spring brings back a whole range of light, fresh tastes that help you have more energy and get over the heavy weight of those long winter months.

Traditionally, winter foods and dishes are often heavier - more savory flavors, lots of meat and starches, and not a lot of fresh vegetables or fruits since most are out of season. Historically, it's the time we batten down the hatches for harsh cold, all but hibernating with a lot of really very weighty foods. In turn, spring refreshes, rejuvenates and revitalizes the world - and it's the perfect time to do the same with your weekly menu plan.

First, keep an eye on your favorite produce and meat departments to see what they get in fresh each week. Then, plan your meals for that day or week around what you find. Not only will you get more fruits and veggies in your diet, but this will give you more options and wider variety to do something different for dinner. Also, focus on using more poultry and fish, since many of these dishes absolutely sing when made with freshest, most tender produce of spring.

Different regions will have different availabilities of produce items, but the list below provides a general look at what's around and best to eat during the spring months. It's good to note that other produce will obviously be available, but the items listed below are in their peak season during spring.

ENJOY!