Spring is in the air, and lucky for us, that means so many lovely nutrition related activities are ripe for the picking! We’ve captured a few of our favorite ways to explore and nurture our nutrition interests during the spring season.
Visit a Farmers Market:
One of the best parts of spring is the return of weekly farmers markets. They’re a great way to support small businesses, try new foods, connect with the community, and move your body. Check out this link to find farmers markets available within communities across the state! Find a Farmer’s Market | Ohio Proud
Plant a Garden:
Springtime brings us one step closer to gardening season! Now is the perfect time to get your planting spaces ready, choose what you want to grow, and prepare for a successful garden once the risk for frost has passed. Check out the Farmers’ Almanac website, it’s full of helpful gardening tips and resources for all skill levels. Free Garden Layouts & Plans Library: Vegetable and Flower Raised Beds | Almanac.com
Enjoy Patio Dining:
What’s better than sitting on a warm, sunny patio after a long day, enjoying a nourishing meal and a refreshing beverage? Dining outside is one of the many joys that come with springtime. Make it a date with your friends or loved ones. Or take yourself out and enjoy your own company.
Take a Walk in a Community Park:
Spring brings ideal weather for exploring metroparks and getting outside to move your body. With so many beautiful parks and hiking trails across Central Ohio, it’s easy to find a nearby spot to enjoy fresh air and stay active. Metro Parks
Hydrate Before You Feel Thirsty:
With spring bringing warmer temperatures, your body will likely need increased hydration to stay properly fueled. Did you know that feeling thirsty may be sign of mild dehydration? That’s why it’s important to stay ahead of thirst by drinking water throughout the day. Proper hydration is essential for many important body processes. Keep a water bottle nearby as a reminder to drink regularly, and consume hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries.
Cook a Recipe from a Springtime Cookbook:
As with any season change, that means a new rotation of produce and ingredients are ready to be used in the kitchen! Spring is especially abundant in exciting and fresh produce. Something fun to try to expand your kitchen skills and variety of foods is to open up a springtime-focused cookbook and find a new recipe to try! One I am personally going to pick up this season is “What Katie Ate on the Weekend” by Katie Quinn Davies.
Go on a Picnic:
What could be more whimsical than a springtime picnic! It’s such a fun way to enjoy the warmer weather and share yummy food in good company. The best part of a picnic is that there are no rules! Opt for a potluck-style picnic so you can try a variety of snacks, or pick up a fresh-baked loaf of bread at a farmers market and whip up some easy sandwiches that are always a crowd-pleaser. A picnic with a good view is important too, and lucky for us, Ohio has some beautiful nature preserves to enjoy.
Try a New Seasonal Produce Item:
As we mentioned, springtime means an abundance of exciting and fresh produce. This also means it’s a great time to explore all the produce the season has to offer! We all love our tried-and-true personal favorites, but maybe grab something new that’s intriguing or you’ve been curious about trying. It might just become the newest addition to your favorites!
