Delicious A-Z Foods for Springtime Health

Springtime is upon us. It’s a season typically known as a time of rebirth or reawakening. Trees are blooming, the weather is warming up, and animals come out of hibernation. As human beings, we could also say that we come out of hibernation. All winter long, many of us stayed tucked in our warm homes, dreading wintry conditions. But now is the time to get outside, to enjoy the weather, and to have a rebirth of our own. Part of that rebirth means that we should focus, or refocus, on taking care of our bodies. We do that through exercise and healthy foods.

What we put into our bodies matters, and oftentimes we can get bored with the same old foods. So, as we usher in spring, we thought we would help you usher in some new foods—or maybe some foods you know about but that aren’t on your regular menu. Below is a food item for each letter of the alphabet and the benefits you can receive from it. This springtime, try several—or all—of these and then let us know how you feel.

A: Avocados

Avocados are rich in omega-3 fats—the healthy type of fat. They are also a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6. They contain riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. Cut and eat by itself, add it to tacos, or mash it and spread it on toast.

B: Blueberries

Blueberries are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K. Plus, they are high in antioxidants and may help lower blood pressure. Eat them by themselves, add them to yogurt or cereal, or top your morning’s oatmeal.

C: Cherries

Cherries contain fiber; vitamins C, K, and B6; potassium; antioxidants; and more. They are extremely beneficial to your health, and according to Healthline “may boost your heart health, improve sleep quality, and relieve some symptoms of arthritis and gout.” Eat as a midday snack or as part of your breakfast.

D: Dark chocolate

I bet this one caught your eye! Most people like chocolate, but dark chocolate is more of an acquired taste. Find a good brand and one with at least 70% cocoa, and you will have your go-to sweet treat for life. Dark chocolate contains fiber, iron, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Plus, it’s a powerful source of antioxidants and may help lower your blood pressure. But watch how much you eat at one time, as it’s also high in sugar and calories.

E: Edamame

Edamame is an immature green soybean that is typically sold still in the pods, but the soybeans are meant to be removed and eaten after the entire thing is boiled (or you can buy the kind already cooked!). They are rich in protein, as one cup has 18 grams. They also contain fiber, vitamin C, calcium, and more! Eat them as an anytime snack.

F: Figs

Did you know that figs are sweet and taste great alone or can be added to baked goods to make them naturally sweet? Plus, their nutrition value is incredible! Not only do they contain potassium, prebiotics, and calcium, but they are an excellent source of iron and vitamins A and C. Grab some on your next grocery visit.

G: Garlic

Garlic contains vitamins B6 and C, manganese, fiber, and selenium. Among other things, it is said that garlic has properties that can help prevent illnesses such as colds and help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. You can easily add garlic to many foods to increase your meal’s flavor.

H: Honey

Honey is rich in antioxidants. According to Healthline, “Honey may help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate your heartbeat, and prevent the death of healthy cells.” Use it as a sugar substitute. Add it to cereals, oatmeal, or even to your peanut butter sandwich.

I: Italian ice

Instead of reaching for the ice cream when you want a cool treat, reach for an Italian ice. It has fewer calories, it is fat free, and many brands are made without artificial ingredients. Plus, it’s dairy free and has a high water content, which will help keep you hydrated during the hot summer months.

J: Java plum

These delicious plums are high in calcium and potassium. And because they are high in fiber, they may help with digestion and facilitating bowel movements. Eat them as a healthy snack any time of the day.

K: Kidney beans

Kidney beans are rich in protein, fiber, folate, potassium, iron, and more. You can easily add them to salads, chili, or simply eat them as a side dish.

L: Lentils

Lentils are edible seeds that come from the legume family. There are several different kinds, but all pack a healthy protein punch, which is great for vegetarians and vegans. They are low in fat and high in fiber. You can do a google search for awesome lentil soup recipes.

M: Mango

Mangos are a delicious fruit that is high in antioxidants and in vitamins C and E. Simply peel, cut, and enjoy any time of the day!

N: Navel oranges

This sweet fruit is high in vitamin C and in potassium. It has many varieties and can be eaten alone or added to salads.

O: Oatmeal

Oats are a good source of fiber and protein. Plus they have manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamins B1 and B5, and other minerals. Oatmeal is a filling breakfast or lunch option. Top with your favorite fruit!

P: Pomegranates

The seeds of a pomegranate are an excellent source of protein, vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Eat alone or sprinkle on a salad.

Q: Quinoa

Quinoa is a grain that’s a healthy alternative to rice. According to Healthline, it is “packed with nutrients like protein, zinc, fiber, folate, and antioxidants.” Replace your normal rice dish with quinoa and some veggies.

R: Red pepper

Red peppers are delicious by themselves, in tacos, on sandwiches or salads, or in stir fry. According to WebMD, a “half cup of raw red pepper provides you with 47 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A and 159 percent of your vitamin C.” That’s amazing!

S: Salmon

Salmon is an awesome form of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains selenium, B vitamins, and phosphorus. Replace one red meat meal per week with a healthy salmon dish.

T: Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene (an antioxidant), potassium, vitamins B and E, and other important nutrients. According to WebMD, “Foods high in lycopene . . . may make you less likely to have lung, stomach, or prostate cancer. Some research shows they might help prevent the disease in the pancreas, colon, throat, mouth, breast, and cervix as well.” So add them to sandwiches, eat by themselves, or throw them on a salad.

U: Urda cheese

Urda cheese is made from unpasteurized cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk and comes from the Balkan region of Europe. It’s a low-fat and high-protein cheese that’s similar to mozzarella. Sprinkle it on salads or on stir-fry veggies.

V: Vanilla

Vanilla is a spice from the pods of the vanilla plant and is a common flavoring for foods. WebMD explains that “vanillin has strong antioxidant properties” and that “test-tube studies have shown that vanillin and vanillic acid (a form of vanillin) can protect brain cells from oxidative stress.” Add it to your baked goods to give them a delicious flavor. You can even add it to your coffee!

W: Watermelon

Watermelon is about 90% water, which makes it the perfect snack for a hot summer day. It contains antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and citrulline—an amino acid that may improve exercise performance. Eat by itself or as a side dish.

X: Xylocarp

A xylocarp is a fruit with a hard, woody outer shell, like a coconut. It contains electrolytes, fiber, and antioxidants. Cut into pieces and eat or chop it up and add it to a salad or veggie side dish.

Y: Yogurt

Yogurt is made from cultured dairy ingredients and bacteria and is a healthy breakfast or lunch option. It contains protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, potassium, calcium, probiotics, and more. Top with your favorite fruit.

Z: Zucchini

Zucchini is a summer squash that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, magnesium, vitamin K, antioxidants, and more. Eat them by themselves or with some hummus, or grill them with some olive oil for a delicious side dish.

These 26 foods will get your taste buds watering. So replace those junk foods with any or all of these and feel your body wake up to spring—with a little help from Performance Inspired Nutrition, your partner in clean, nutritious living!