Spring is all about fresh starts—and your meals are a great place to begin. From simple nutrition upgrades to easy, flavorful recipes, here are my favorite ways to “spring clean” your diet this season. I’m on ABC Phoenix sharing my tips and recipes.
Add More Vegetables to Your Plate
One of the simplest ways to upgrade your meals is by adding more vegetables. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend about 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day, yet most people fall short.
I like to keep Foxy Organic and Foxy produce stocked in my fridge—like romaine, broccoli, celery, and cauliflower—so I can easily throw together quick, nutrient-packed meals like stir-fries and lettuce cups.
Foxy Organic and Foxy brands are grown by The Nunes Company, a family-owned business that uses sustainable farming practices to produce both organic and conventional vegetables and strawberries.
Adding more vegetables is an easy way to boost your intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.
Power Up with Plant-Based Protein
Another key upgrade is incorporating more protein into your meals and snacks. In honor of Soy Foods Month, I partnered with U.S. Soy to highlight why soy deserves a place at your table.
Soy foods like edamame, tofu, soymilk, miso, and tempeh are packed with nutrition. They provide high-quality, complete protein—meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids—along with important nutrients like folate, potassium, fiber, iron, and zinc.
Easy Recipe: Edamame Miso Protein Power Bowl
This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy soy:
- Start with a base of brown rice or quinoa
- Add shelled edamame and your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables
- Top with a simple miso dressing (miso paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey)
- Finish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor
For more inspiration, check out the Soy Foods Guide at soyconnection.com/soyfoodsmonth for simple, flavorful recipes.
Don’t Skip Dairy: A Protein-Rich Staple
Dairy is another nutrient-rich protein option worth including. It provides key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, and right now, cottage cheese is having a major moment.
Shamrock Farms Cottage Cheese is a go-to in my kitchen. It has a creamy texture, delicious taste, and a neutral flavor that works just as well in sweet dishes as it does in savory ones.
Each half-cup serving delivers 12 to 13 grams of protein, making it an easy way to support your daily protein goals. Plus, Shamrock Farms is locally made in Arizona, offering farm-fresh quality you can taste. You can find it at retailers like Fry’s, Albertsons, Safeway, Bashas’, and Costco.
Upgrade Your Snacks
Finally, don’t forget to spring clean your snacks. A simple swap—like choosing better-for-you versions of your favorite chips—can make a difference.
Stella & Milo’s grass-fed, kettle-cooked tallow potato chips are made with just three ingredients: 100% grass-fed beef tallow, non-GMO potatoes, and salt. The result is a satisfying crunch with simple, high-quality ingredients.
They’re handcrafted in the USA rather than mass-produced, and you can find them at stellaandmilos.com.
