Spring has finally sprung! With March finally, here it means we see an increase in fruits and vegetables that have our back. 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.

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 March, 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 March along with their health benefits.

Perfect Pears:

Pears are also relatively low in calories and have no added sugar. Boasting 6 grams of fiber, pears have more fiber than a 1-cup serving of kale! From helping you maintain a healthy weight to reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, eating enough fiber is integral to a well-balanced diet. Not to mention, we’re very thankful for the digestive benefits a high-fiber diet provides (fiber makes your poop softer and bulkier, making it easier to go), and we love that we can get over 20 percent of our daily recommended value from a pear. Even though pears have some natural sugar, their high fiber content ensures your blood sugar won’t go soaring after eating one (which makes them a perfect on-the-go snack for people with diabetes) Plus, their low-glycemic-index means you won’t be hungry minutes after snacking on one.

Always Room For Apples:

Apples are not only great at getting you up and on your way they are perfect to aid in weight loss and management. Apples are high in fiber which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. The fiber in apples also helps lower the risk for heart disease and aids in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Apples are also low in calories and high in water content which helps the body naturally detox and thus, removes excess weight that can be stored toxins. When our bodies come into contact with something they either do not recognize or consider an enemy they encase it in fat as a form of protection. During detoxing our bodies force out these fat-encased toxins which result in a lower number on the scale.

Apples are great for your brain activity. They contain high levels of boron, which stimulates electrical activity of the brain and increases mental alertness. Apples also help to produce Dopamine in the body which helps to improve: memory, mood (feelings of joy or bliss), motivation, and focus. Apples may not be rich in calcium, but their high levels of boron make it a great food to prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones. A 2006 study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine found that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of two compounds that helped to reduce cellular death that is caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons. Once again, highlights what makes apples so desirable in daily nutrition.

Killer Kiwi:

While we credit apple as the miracle fruit, kiwi is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals and works in many ways to give you a nutritional boost. If you thought that lemons and oranges were the highest sources of Vitamin C, then think again! According to the nutritional break-up of kiwi fruit, 100 grams contain 154 percent of Vitamin C, which is almost twice that of lemons and oranges. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, eliminating free radicals that could cause inflammation or cancer. It also helps in boosting the immunity of the body against harmful pathogens. It is said that having two kiwi fruits one hour before bedtime can help immensely in inducing sleep.

This exotic fruit is loaded with dietary fiber, which helps in the prevention of numerous diseases. It also facilities weight loss and is often recommended to diabetics. Kiwi fruit contains an enzyme known as actinidain which is known for its protein dissolving properties, similar to that of papain in papaya. This is the reason why it is commonly used as a meat tenderizer. Moreover, it helps in the digestion of proteins in the body and is also known to help patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. 

It is a good source of folate, which is said to be beneficial for pregnant women because it helps in the development of the fetus, making it healthy. Kiwi fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B6, B12, E, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. These contribute collectively to the proper functioning of the body such as blood circulation through the vessels, fighting stress, iron absorption for healthy bones and teeth, good vision, and more!

Super Strawberries:

Strawberries are high in vitamin C which is great for boosting your immune system. They are high in antioxidants making them ideal for anti-aging. Strawberries also contain ellagic acid which prevents collagen breakdown and reduces wrinkles. They are high in anti-inflammatory properties which lower blood pressure and heart health. They are high in fiber which makes them ideal for weight loss, detoxing, and digestive health. Strawberries contain high levels of manganese which improves mood and lowers stress levels. They are also great for your teeth and bones, they can even help whiten your teeth! Strawberries can prevent your skin from sunburn and improve hair, skin, and nail health. They improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease. Strawberries are also great for aiding in hormone regulation and supporting a healthy pregnancy. It is clear these berries are more than just sweet. 

Crazy Kumquats:

Kumquat contains a rich source of limonene, which has proven to the depletion of gallstones in up to 75% of the cases. The high fiber content of kumquat makes it perfect if you’re trying to lose some extra pounds. The high fiber makes your stomach walls stretch. Kumquats are an excellent source of such fibers that can aid the digestive process. Not just this, but it can effectively clear out your colon and small intestine by doing so. It helps prevent stool retention, constipation, and colitis. Like most citrus fruits, Kumquats can provide a large proportion of RDA (Recommended daily intake) for vitamin C. It can give a boost to skin cell regeneration and gives your skin a cleaner, brighter look. Kumquats are regarded as being loaded with Phyto-nutrients along with a bulk of vitamins, dietary cellulose fibers, and natural pigments, which are all essential to your body for proper function.

Apple Oatmeal Bake

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 8

• 1 cup Gluten-Free Oats
• 3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1 large Apple, Peeled and Diced
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp Vegan Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1/2 Cup Applesauce

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put all of the ingredients into a blender reserving 1/4 cup of the oats and process until smooth. Remove from blender and fold in remaining oats. Treat the baking dish with non-stick of choice and pour batter into the dish. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. After baking let cool and serve.

Pear Frangipane Tart

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 8

Tart Dough:

• 1 cup Coconut Flour
• 1/3 cup Coconut Sugar
• 1 cup Almond Flour
• 1/4 tsp Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest
• 11 Tbsp Vegan butter
• 1 Flaxseed Egg
• 2 tsp Pure Vanilla 
• 1 tsp Almond Extract

Poached Pears:

• 6 cups Cold Water
• 2 cups Coconut Sugar
• 1 star anise pod
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 Tbsp Pure Vanilla
• 2 Tbsp Lemon Zest
• 3 Pears

Filling:

• 8 Tbsp Vegan Butter
• 1/2 cup Coconut Sugar
• 1 cup Almond Flour
• 3/4 cup Vegan Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tbsp Coconut Flour
• 1/2 tsp Lemon Zest
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla

Directions:

Pretreat a 10-inch tart pan with the non-stick option of choice. Into a food processor combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Once well mixed add cold butter, until well distributed. Add in flaxseed egg and vanilla. Mix until dough is formed. Transfer the dough to a clean counter and knead. It should be similar to sugar cookie dough. Roll the dough into a disk and set it into the refrigerator for 1 hour or up to 2 days. Let dough sit at room temp for 15 minutes prior to rolling out and press into the tart pan. 

Poach the pears by combining water and sugar into a medium pot. Place over medium heat and cook until sugar is dissolved. Add in spices and lower to a simmer. Peel pears leaving the stems on. Rub pears with a lemon wedge to prevent them from oxidizing. Core the pears from the bottom using a melon baller. Lower pears into the liquid and cook for 12-15 minutes or until tender. Let liquid and pears cool to room temperature. 

Blind bake the tart in the oven at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes covered with foil with beans in a dish to prevent rising. Remove beans and foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. While the tart is baking create filling by creaming sugar and butter. Once creamed add flour and stir in 1/4 cup yogurt at a time until completely mixed. Add in remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. Place the filling into the fridge until ready to use. 

To assemble place the tart pan on a baking sheet. Fill the tart shell with the filling and spread into an even layer. Cut pears in half and remove any remaining core. Slice pears into thin slices. Place pears into the filling and bake at 375 degrees F for 40-55 minutes or until pears are golden brown. Top with powdered sugar or whipped coconut cream when serving.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 8

• 1 cup Coconut Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Flour
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• 3 Tbsp Corn Starch
• 2 Lemons Juiced and Zested
• 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
• 2 Tbsp Vegan Butter
• 1 cup thick Vegan Greek Yogurt
• 9 inches Gluten-Free Pie Crust Baked
• 3 Cans Chickpea liquid
• 6 Tbsp Stevia Sugar

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. To prepare to fill, in a medium saucepan, whisk 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the water, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over medium heat, string frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter. Gradually whisk 1/2 cup of sugar mixture into the yogurt and mix. Transfer the yogurt mixture into the pan and mix well stirring until thick. Remove from heat and pour filling into the pie crust. For the meringue, in a large glass bowl whip chickpea liquid until foamy. Add in sugar and continue to whip until peaks form (for added stiffness add in 1/2 tsp cream of tartar). Spread over the filling and bake for 10 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.

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!