Seasonal Eating with Lupus: Spring Edition

If you're living with lupus, you might already know the importance of including fresh produce in your diet. Research has shown that an anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in antioxidants is crucial to managing the difficult symptoms that Lupus Warriors face! I like to make this a bit more fun in my life by incorporating seasonal eating. Today, let's chat about spring produce for lupus and how to have fun eating the rainbow.

Benefits of Seasonal Eating

There are so many benefits to seasonal eating! Here are just a few of the ones that stand out most to me:

• Cost-Effective - Eating produce in season means a lower grocery bill year-round.

• Provides More Variety - It's easy to eat the rainbow when you prioritize seasonal eating since the choices you have available to you will naturally change throughout the year.

• Helps Mix Things Up - No one wants to eat the same thing day after day for months on end. Seasonal eating is enjoyable and keeps your meal plan feeling fun!

• Encourages You To Try New Things - Many of us are creatures of habit. When choosing to eat seasonally, you will often be exposed to new fruits and vegetables that you otherwise might not have considered!

Better Nutrition with Seasonal Eating

Aside from these benefits, there is a huge nutritional benefit to eating seasonally as well. Each season, different fruits and vegetables will become more widely available. By choosing to use seasonal produce to include in your cooking, you will automatically give your body more variety in the vitamins and minerals you are consuming. 

This will offer a boost in immunity, reduce inflammation, help maintain a healthier gut, and support overall health. No matter how you look at it, seasonal eating is a healthy way to plan your meals!

Getting Started with Seasonal Eating this Spring

Spring is here and I'm here for it! This time of year is a great opportunity to lean into seasonal eating since there are so many great options available. If you're looking for a way to vary your diet, reduce lupus symptoms, and feel better every day, I know this will be a game-changer for you! Let's take a look at the fruits and vegetables in season this spring and some of the benefits they have for people with lupus.

If you have one available nearby, consider joining a CSA (community supported agriculture), that provides a box/bag of seasonal produce weekly from local farms.

Spring Vegetables

Leafy Greens - Arugula, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and spring mix lettuces are in season in the springtime. These should be a staple in the lupus diet as they are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They're a great way to bulk up a meal without a lot of caloric density as well!

Asparagus - This is one of my favorite spring vegetables! Asparagus is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense veggie option that is loaded with vitamins A, C, folate, and potassium. I love grilling this up and serving it alongside a quick protein like salmon on busy evenings.

Peas - Fiber-rich peas are a wonderful addition to your spring menu. They're a great choice since they are loaded with vitamins A, K, folate, and thiamine. I like to use these in stir-fries and salads in the spring months.

Spring Fruits

Strawberries - Berries are an important part of a healthy diet when managing lupus, as they are filled with fiber and antioxidants. These are considered an anti-inflammatory, low-sugar fruit choice and can be enjoyed in so many ways. I love having them in place of dessert!

Apricots - Apricots are a great source of vitamins A and C and are high in fiber. These are a great, portable snack option that can help you feel full between meals and curb a sweet tooth.

Mangoes - Do you like mango? This fruit is a powerhouse for those with lupus! Mangoes are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which can help support immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.

Ways to Incorporate Spring Produce

These are just a few of the fruits and vegetables in season throughout the spring, so be sure to take a look around your market to see what's available in your area! That's half the fun of seasonal eating after all!

Once you decide to get started with seasonal eating, I recommend intentionally choosing 1 new fruit, vegetable, or both at the grocery store each week. This will allow you to try new things and vary your diet naturally.

The key is to have fun with it! Add produce to salads, serve up a new side alongside your main dish, and snack on seasonal fruits to add some sweetness to your day. Seasonal eating is a great way to support overall health and have fun while eating a balanced, wholesome diet.

Looking for Additional Support?

Still feeling lost when it comes to incorporating anti-inflammatory foods in your diet? As the Lupus Dietitian, I am here for you! Connect with me to get started with a personalized nutrition plan to support your goals, or check out my programs by clicking the button below.

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