Four tips to get the most out of spring!

 

Blooming flowers, bright red strawberries, warm weather—spring is finally here, and these are just a few of the wonderful things I look forward to every year.

For many, spring is a time to celebrate special occasions, be it Easter, Passover, a graduation, wedding, or opening game day. As you find yourself immersed in the activities of spring, there are many ways to cultivate healthy practices. Whether it’s taking advantage of spring’s fresh vegetable selection or making efforts to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll want to be sure to take advantage of the season’s healthy offerings.

Here are a few things to be on the lookout for this spring:

Seasonal Foods.
There are countless ways to make healthy meals with what’s in season during spring. Lean & Green style meals, lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and a little bit of healthy fat, are a great way to fuel your body with the nutrition it needs. Spring features a nice variety of lean protein and vegetables including asparagus, Swiss chard, spinach, snap peas, salmon, trout, halibut, shrimp, scallops, pork chops, lamb, chicken, and eggs. The Lemon Garlic Lamb recipe featured in this post is a delicious source of lean protein that pairs beautifully with the Medifast Mashed Potatoes and roasted asparagus.

Beautiful Weather.
Be sure to get outside and play this spring. Plan a group hike, bike ride, or morning yoga session with family and friends. Create new traditions at your traditional spring events that promote physical activity, like a backyard football game or an Easter egg hunt for the adults.

Refreshing Drinks.
Being properly hydrated is a healthy habit to practice any time of the year. As the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time to think outside the box when it comes to your hydration routine. Infusing water is one of my personal favorites—cucumber and mint, lemon and orange slices, or kiwi and strawberries make for great combinations. A Medifast Flavor Infuser mixed with plain or sparkling water also makes for a special treat.

Family & Friends.
Spring is a great time to be intentional about our relationships. As you attend your spring activities, focus on the people around you and the conversations you are having. Take time to talk with your extended family members at Easter dinner to see how they are doing. Call up a friend on a sunny spring day and go for a walk together. Be intentional—investing in quality relationships with friends and family are a great way to bring joy and fulfillment to our lives.

Happy spring!

Lemon Garlic Lamb
1 Lean | 3 Green | 2 Condiments

Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp rosemary
4 tsp lemon or lime juice
½ tsp pepper
1½ lb lamb loin
10 sprays non-stick cooking spray
2 cups white mushrooms, sliced thin
6 cups raw spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler, and spray rack in broiler pan with non-stick cooking spray for about three seconds.
2. In a small bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, and pepper.
3. Trim all visible fat from lamb.
4. Place lamb on prepared rack and cover with half of the garlic mixture. Broil four minutes, four inches from the heat. Turn lamb over, cover with remaining garlic mixture, and broil an additional two to four minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Spray medium skillet with non-stick cooking spray for two seconds, and heat over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté an additional two to three minutes.
6. Serve lamb on a bed of raw spinach and tomatoes; add salt and pepper to taste.

Per serving: 410 calories | 22g fat | 7g carbohydrates | 45g protein