Spring is a perfect time to embrace fresh, seasonal produce and adopt more sustainable eating habits. I have simple tips to sustainably spring clean your diet this month.
My first tip is to start the day off with a nutritious breakfast like seasonal overnight oats.
Eating seasonally means buying fruits and vegetables when they’re in their natural growing season. In addition to being ultra-flavorful and nutritious, peak-season produce is good for the planet and the people in your community. Sprouts Farmers Market offers a wide selection of local, organic, unique products to fit any lifestyle. They keep seasonality is always top of mind and work with local farmers to bring in the season’s freshest, most delicious produce including limited-time varieties you can’t find anywhere else. To make my naturally-sweetened berry overnight oats, combine 1/2 cup of rolled oats and 1 tbsp of chia seeds in a jar. Blend 1 cup of berries with 1 cup of almond milk, pour into your jars and place in the fridge overnight
My next tip is to meal plan to minimize food waste
When you plan your meals ahead of time, you know exactly what ingredients you need which can help prevent overbuying and reduce the chances of food spoiling before you can consume it. These burrito bowls are perfect to make ahead of time and enjoy for lunch throughout the week. They can also be customized with your choice of protein, veggies and whole grains. Start with a base of Organic Spelt & Red Quinoa ancient grain blend and serve with salsa, chicken, cheese, corn and black beans. Besides being known for the season’s freshest, most delicious produce around located at the heart of the market, Sprouts offers a fresh, friendly take on grocery shopping, where exploration and discovery happen naturally so you can discover wide selection of natural and organic foods, including farm-fresh produce, bulk foods, fresh meat and seafood and seasonal items to make these bowls your own.
My next tip is to go plant-based once a week
Studies show that eating MORE plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, while limiting animal products, may help support weight management and lower your risk of certain chronic diseases. Many recipes that use meat and poultry can be made without such as my lentil Bolognese. In a pot, sauté 1 onion and 2 celery stalks with garlic, basil, oregano and oil. Add 3/ 4cup of lentils, 1 jar of pasta sauce and 2 ½ cups of water. Cook for 20 minutes and serve over cooked spaghetti. Every time you shop at sprouts, shoppers can expect a feel-good experience and the best assortment of better-for-you products including unique attributed products such as plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more, all at affordable prices.
Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts with benefits
Building your desserts around in-season fruit allows you take advantage of their natural sweetness. To make my baked apples, start by making the topping…combine ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup blanched almond flour, ¼ cup coconut sugar, ¼ cup crushed walnuts, a pinch of cinnamon and ¼ cup of coconut oil. Bake the apples for 10 min at 375 F, add the topping and bake for another 10 minutes. These can be customized with different sweeteners, flours and toppings like honey AND oatmilk whipped cream. Sprouts, offers that bright and airy farmers market experience with our open layout, it can be an exciting treasure hunt for healthy alternatives and good-for-you products.
