Spring is in full bloom! With May finally, here it means we see an increase in fruits and vegetables that have our back. May is all about reaping the benefits of April’s rainfall and the hard work of all those pollinators. All the water from last month commonly brings with it means the fruits and vegetables are full of hydration. Spring fruits and vegetables are chock-full of metabolic boosting foods. Most, if not all of us, are looking to shed our winter coats. What better way to do just that than to fill your plate with powerful fruits and vegetables designed to burn fat and even slow down aging. Just like that, spring has just become one of all of our favorite seasons.

Fruits of Labor

Let’s face it, we all want to look and feel our best. One of the best ways to do just that is by providing our bodies with the building blocks they need. During the month of May, mother nature fills our cupboards with fruits and vegetables that help bring out the best in all of us. Spring fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that support immunity, slow aging, boost metabolic rate, improve oral health, reduce seasonal allergies, and more! The following is a list of the best fruits in May along with their health benefits.

Peaches 

Loaded with so many amazing benefits, such as high antioxidants, remove free radicals throughout your body. They are high in fiber which helps improve digestion and aid in heart health. Peaches are great for your skin because they improve skin texture and help skin retain moisture. They are low in calories and high in vitamin A and C, which help improve the immune system and promote eye health. Peaches can also restore electrolyte imbalance and reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol, which can help lower blood pressure. 

Cheering for Cherries!

Cherries have been shown to improve liver, kidney, and heart health and function. They are high in antioxidants which makes them amazing at rejuvenating the skin and slowing down the rampant signs of aging. Cherries are one of the only naturally occurring forms of melatonin in food, other foods need to be converted into melatonin, which makes them great for reducing stress and improving sleep. Not to mention they have anti-inflammatory properties which help with joint pain. Cherries can also help boost your immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and aid in digestion. If that wasn’t enough, here is the big one if you are trying to lose those extra pounds, they promote weight loss! I know they are clearly, superhero fruit that everyone should think about incorporating into their diet.

Rad Berries

Raspberries are high in anthocyanin and polyphenols which act as an anti-inflammatory. Which makes them great for heart health, improves blood flow, menstrual cycle regulation, and pain management. Raspberries also contain rheosmin which helps increase metabolism to promote weight loss. They are high in antioxidants making them ideal for anti-aging. Raspberries are high in vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and improve skin, hair, and eye health. They are high in fiber which aids in digestion and as an added bonus they also contain phytonutrients that protect against bacterial infections. 

Raspberries contain ellagic acid and anthocyanin which have been shown to prevent and reduce tumor growth. They are also great for fertility and can increase milk production. Raspberries are also great for bone health and detoxing the body. It is true raspberries are rad and there are tons of things they can do for you.

Banging Blackberries

Blackberries are high in fiber which aids in digestion and promotes weight loss. They promote wound healing and provide relief from PMS symptoms. Blackberries are high in antioxidants which help slow the hands of time. They are full of essential B vitamins that are known to increase energy levels, reduce memory loss, and improve overall mood. Blackberries are great for boosting your immune system and cleansing the blood. They help strengthen bones and promote healthy eyes, skin, hair, and heart function. Blackberries can even help lower your cholesterol and help with regulating diabetes. One of my favorite aspects of the blackberry is the fact that it helps provide UV protection. Once again, Mother Nature is trying to let you know she has your back. Are you ready for a mouth-watering way to add blackberries to your daily routine?

Benefits Of Being Blue

Blueberries have been marketed as a superfood. But what does that really mean? In reality, it is just another way of saying they are nutrient-dense foods. Blueberries are mainly known for their antioxidant properties and their anti-inflammatory benefits. They can also help slow down the breaking down of bones (our bodies are constantly breaking down and rebuilding our bones if you have osteoporosis you have trouble rebuilding your bones). Blueberries help dilate arteries which lowers blood pressure and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are high in vitamin C which helps boost your immune system. 

Blueberries are great for eyesight, in fact, they even help your eyes adjust to darkness quicker. They help promote weight loss and can reduce your risk of diabetes by as much as 23%. Blueberries help improve mood and memory. They are also great additions for improving digestive and urinary tract health. It is clear that there is a reason we love blueberries.

Black Forest Cake

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 10

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups coconut sugar
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegan greek yogurt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup of strong coffee
• 3 cups cherries pitted
• 1 tsp cinnamon ground
• 1/2 cup cherry liqueur
• 1 cup simple syrup

Decorations:

• Vegan Whipped cream frosting
• shredded dark chocolate
• fresh cherries

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pretreat an 8-inch cake pan with a non-stick of choice. Make sour milk by combining milk and vinegar, and set it aside. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, oil, coffee, and vanilla. Once mixed, stir in the sour milk. Gradually mix in the flour until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the toothpick comes out clean. In the meantime, prep the filling. Using a sauce pot combine syrup, cinnamon, and cherries. Cook until the cherries get soft and the syrup gets thick. Once the filling is thick, remove from heat and stir in the liqueur. 

Place filling into the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. Once the cakes are cooked remove them from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes inside the pans. After 5 minutes remove from the pan and let cool completely. To assemble lay one layer of cake down. Pipe whipped cream frosting around the edge of the top of the 1st layer. Scoop in the cherry filling into the center and top with the second chocolate cake. Continue to frost the outside of the cake and top. Lightly press chocolate shavings into the side of the cake. Top the cake with cherries or excess cherry filling and enjoy!

Blackberry Mule

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 1

• 1/4 cup blackberries
• 8 fresh mint leaves
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 coconut lime Bia water

Directions:

Muddle the berries and mint together. Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Top with more mint and blackberries.

Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream 

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 8

• 1 1/4 cup vegan greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp Stevia Monk Fruit Sugar
• 3 cups Full Fat Coconut Milk
• 3/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 2 Tbsp Pure Vanilla
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 Tbsp dried lavender
• 3 cups fresh blackberries

Directions: 

In a medium pot, whisk together yogurt and sugar until combined. Slowly stir in milk, syrup, vanilla, salt, and lavender. Set the pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and easily coats the back of the spoon (about 8-10 minutes). Once thickened remove from heat and strain out the lavender. Add the blackberries to a bowl and gently mash them. Stir the berries into the custard mixture. Cover and place into the fridge for 4 hours. Place into ice cream maker or you can transfer into an airtight container and freeze for 4-6 hours or until firm (this will make less smooth ice cream).

Peaches and Cream Pie

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 8

• 1/2 cup Coconut flour
• 1/4 cup Almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 oz non-instant dairy-free pudding mix
• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp vegan butter room temp
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 29 oz can peach drained and syrup reserved
• 8 oz vegan cream cheese room temp
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 Tbsp stevia sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon ground

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pretreat a 10-inch cake pan with a non-stick option of choice. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and pudding mix. Mix in butter, egg, and milk. Whisk together for 2 minutes and pour the mixture into the pie pan. Arrange the peaches on top of the pudding mixture. Into a small bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy, add 1/2 cup sugar and 3 Tbsp of the syrup. Spoon the cheese mixture over the peaches. Combine the cinnamon and stevia then sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Chill before serving. 

Get Started Today

Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. There are tons of foods you can add to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so important and realistically everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis I have taken the time to put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem difficult to get into (due to limited space) and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!

 Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help, I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!