Hey sis, it’s Spring!

August may have slipped away (into a moment of time, IYKYK) BUT Spring is finally here! That means long, sun-filled days (yay!) Not only is the weather warmer, but It’s also the perfect transitional time to focus on inner growth, change and empowerment. That means, it’s YOUR time to shine and it’s YOUR season – get it gurl! 

New season and warmer temperature also means beautiful new seasonal produce. Buying in season produce comes with tons of benefits! It’s usually more fresh as it has been naturally ripened, harvested and just picked. It also tastes better and is full of natural nutritional value (as it’s spent less time being transported and stored). It’s also cheaper compared to imported produce and we all love a good ole’ saving! Plus it’s environmentally friendly. Need I say more?!

Keen to get your in season Spring feed on? Find our Aussie Spring seasonal produce guide below: 

LET’S GET COOKING! 

Having some new recipe inspo is a great way to kick things off in this transitional time to focus on you. As the days get warmer, our thirst levels increase and it’s natural to crave for fresh, vibrant fruits. I’m a big fan of a balanced smoothie bowl to quench the thirst as it feels just like I’m eating a sweet dessert!

Find my Piña Colada Smoothie Bowl recipe below featuring fresh zingy pineapple, Happy Way Vanilla Protein and all the goodness of coconuts for that extra tropical punch.

Piña Colada Smoothie Bowl

1/4 fresh pineapple

1 small frozen banana

1 scoop Happy Way vanilla protein

3 tablespoons coconut yoghurt

Dash of coconut water

Optional: top with fresh passionfruit

METHOD

Place all ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth. Serve in your favourite glass or in the leftover pineapple (once flesh is removed). Top with passionfruit and enjoy!

Here are 10 more recipe ideas using Spring seasonal produce:

• Strawberry, spinach and almond salad
• Mango and coconut chia pudding
• Grilled asparagus with garlic, lemon and toasted pine nuts
• Pesto pasta with peas
• Asian slaw with sesame dressing
• Mango chicken curry
• Tacos with pineapple salsa
• Super greens smoothie with kiwi fruit, spinach, apple, lemon, ginger
• Strawberry and chia homemade jam
• Oven-baked fish with fennel, cherry tomatoes and lemon

KITCHEN HACK

We all love a kitchen hack and anything that saves us time and energy. Sticking to the Spring seasonal theme, I’m going to show you how easy it is to cut a fennel in 4 easy steps. If you haven’t prepared one before (don’t be afraid!) it’s a super simple process and the flavour profile is amazing. It has a mild licorice-like taste that is incredible on the taste buds. You can have fennel fresh in salads, roasted in the oven or cooked into a sauce, soup or stew. Aside from the taste, fennel is packed with nutritional value, including polyphenol antioxidants, making it a delicious and nutritious option to include. Find my hack on how to cut a fennel below!

SPRING CLEANING 

Springtime also brings upon (drumroll) spring cleaning! Sure, the mere thought of it can send shivers down our spines, but who can resist a satisfying reset? There’s something zen about feeling less cluttered, more productive and on top of your life-admin. The downside of spring cleaning however can also mean lots of chemical cleaning products that are hella $$$. I’ve got the perfect natural cleaning product for you that is made from 3 household staples. Can you guess what they are?

Vinegar, bicarb and lemon!

I use this on any surface that needs a good clean and has grime/dirt. It’s incredible on shower doors or wherever you might have water marks that are hard to remove. You can mix this up and put it into a spray bottle for easy use. Simply spray the solution and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Let me know if you try this natural cleaning product! Quantities on how to mix this solution are below. Make sure to use a measuring cup or bowl that fits at least 4 cups so it doesn’t overflow. Happy cleaning loves!

Natural Cleaning Product

1/4 cup vinegar

2 tablespoons bicarb

Juice of half a lemon

4 cups warm water

Signing off - I hope Spring is good to you. Don’t forget, it’s your time to shine and it’s your season!

Cassie x

@bodylovenutrition_