Dear Creatives, When it comes to my kiddo & family I am all about trying to be healthier. Since I was introduced to these websites I thought I would pass this along because if you are anything like me you can always use a tip or two from breakfast, lunch, dinner, to snacks or just being healthier food wise when it comes to meals & meal planning. So let me introduce you to!

Produce for Kids® promotes healthy lifestyles for children by educating kids and parents about the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables while also supporting worthy children’s causes.  Since its creation in 2002 by Shuman Produce Inc., Produce for Kids has raised more than $3.1 million for children’s hospitals across the country and PBS KIDS® to educate kids, parents and teachers about healthy eating. Sponsored products for each supermarket can be found on materials in the grocery stores’ fresh produce departments and online at http://www.produceforkids.com/ 

Produce for Kids Screenshot {click to enlarge}

Produce for Kids

A great way to celebrate spring  is having tips on the top fruits and veggies for spring from Meal Planning Expert and Produce for Kids POP (Parents on Produce) advisory board member, Brenda Thompson.

Brenda Thompson

After the birth of her first child, Brenda realized time in the kitchen was hard to come by and meal planning was a must. Brenda is a Meal Planning Expert and a member of the Produce for Kids advisory board. Brenda contributes tips on advice to family looking for quick, easy and healthy meals for their families.  As a foodie at heart, Brenda is the creator of the Meal Planning Magic blog, designed to assist busy parents in healthy meal planning.

Top 10 Fruits and Veggies of the Spring Season and why they are nutritional powerhouses.

FRUIT

Mango: Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamins like C and A, this is another fruit not to miss. The trick to cutting up this fruit is to learn how to work around the seed and cut the fleshy fruit around it. We like to use mango in smoothies on the go or in quesadillas with cream cheese and chopped roasted poblano peppers—a unique blend of flavors!

Pineapple: These sweet and juicy yellow fruits are enjoyed simply cut up as an after school snack or any time you need a sweet treat. When purchasing pineapple, look for green fruits that have a little orange or red on the bottom then allow it to fully ripen at home. It should be firm with no bruises or soft spot and have a sweet aroma. A fun way to serve this fruit is with other cut up fruit, threaded onto a stick for a fruit kebab!

Strawberries: Warmer climates begin to see these red beauties popping up in gardens and markets in early spring.  Enjoyed on their own, this fruit travels well. This versatile fruit is delicious in baked goods, sliced onto salads, made into jam or even as a salsa. Keep strawberries from ripening by washing only right before you’re ready to eat them.

VEGGIES

Artichokes: Packing a powerful punch, this powerhouse vegetable contains many essential nutrients for a healthy body including Vitamins C and K, potassium, folate and magnesium. Not as difficult to prepare as they may seem, they do require a bit of prep time but have a delicious pay off. They can be enjoyed simply steamed and eaten plain or cooked and marinated and used in salads.

Asparagus: High in folate, an anti-inflammatory, and other vitamins this vegetable is one of my favorites of spring! The delicate stems can be prepared a variety of ways. Whether steamed, grilled or blanched, they make a great addition to any holiday plate or as great cold finger food on the go.

Broccoli: Another nutrition powerhouse full of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients, this vegetable can be prepared simply, roasting in a little olive oil and garlic is quick and easy. Or chop it up, add some sunflower seeds or toasted chopped nuts, raisins and a light dressing, and you’ve got a delicious side salad great for picnics.

Lettuce: Lettuces are often available year-round in most areas, but spring is their peak season and you can taste the difference. The tender leaves are perfect for fresh salads any time or use in wraps and sandwiches to take out to the ball fields. Lettuce provides essential fiber our bodies need to stay healthy. Choose lettuce with dark leaves for the most nutritional benefit.

Peas: The taste of fresh peas just out of the garden seems to shout spring! Their slightly sweet flavor and crunchiness are delicious. Filled with antioxidants, fresh peas can be tossed in salads, included in stir fries or steamed and enjoyed as a side for many meals.

Rhubarb: Often considered a fruit, rhubarb is actually a vegetable. Full of antioxidants it is naturally tart so is usually paired with sweet fruits like strawberries, apples or peaches, often in baked goods. Easy to grow and prepare, it’s a must-try for everyone!

Spinach: Spinach is such a versatile vegetable! Loaded with Vitamin K and high in many other vitamins plus fiber, this mild tasting green is easy to add to salads, soups or casseroles. We even like to add fresh spinach to our smoothies for an extra nutrition boost (and I promise, you probably won’t even taste it!)

For more of Brenda’s tips and advice, go to: www.ProduceForKids.com.

I hope you are excited about spring – summer fruits & veggies as I am!! One of my favorite tools from the Produce for Kids website are Ideal Meals™ Since Sammie is a picky eater the lunchbox ideas are a big hit for me!

What is your families favorite fruit or veggie that is coming into season?

Disclosure: All content is provided by Produce for Kids and POP (Parents on Produce) advisory board member Brenda Thompson. & I am sharing my personal honest opinion of the site (s) mentioned.