Spring is a season of rebirth and an ideal time for spring outings, but while enjoying the fun, don't forget to pay attention to your diet. So, how should you eat to stay healthy in the spring?
1. Diverse foods, add some "coarse"
Different foods provide different nutrients, and no single natural food can supply all the nutrients the human body needs. It's best to eat a wide variety of foods daily so that the nutrients they provide can complement each other, meeting the nutritional demands of daily life and work. Regularly eat coarse grains, such as cornmeal and millet. Modern grains are often too refined, and a diet consisting mainly of them can lead to a deficiency in B vitamins. Eating coarse grains can help supplement this. Additionally, regularly eat starchy foods like sweet potatoes and potatoes, which are rich in dietary fiber and can help prevent constipation and cancer.
Pumpkin and Millet Porridge
2. Colorful fruits and vegetables, add some "wild"
Every day, eat green, red, or yellow vegetables or fruits, as deeper-colored produce contains more vitamins and antioxidants than lighter-colored ones. With the arrival of spring, a variety of naturally grown fruits and vegetables become available, such as plums, apricots, toon shoots, and chives. Dishes like stir-fried toon shoots with eggs (yellow and green), stir-fried chives with eggs, or scallions with tofu (a simple, classic dish) are not only a treat for the eyes but are also refreshing to eat. If you can go out for a spring outing and forage for wild vegetables like shepherd's purse for wontons or dumplings, that's an even greater pleasure.
3. Light diet, less oil and salt
When cooking, try to use less oil and salt. A light diet is beneficial for your health. Consuming less oil can reduce your fat intake and help control your weight. Consuming less salt helps prevent and control high blood pressure.
4. Animal foods, consume in moderation
Animal foods can provide high-quality protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, so you should eat a moderate amount of them daily. However, eating too much animal food will also increase your fat intake, which is not good for your health, so it's important to be moderate. Animal organs, such as pork, chicken, or duck liver, are rich in nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin A and can be eaten regularly.
Dairy products are quite nutritionally comprehensive, so it's best to consume some every day. When choosing dairy products, be sure to read the labels and don't confuse milk beverages with actual dairy products.
Although soy products are plant-based, they come in many varieties and are rich in protein, so they should be eaten regularly.
Salted Pork Liver
5. Plan your three meals wisely
A year's plan starts in spring, and a day's plan starts with breakfast. A nutritious breakfast not only provides a timely "boost" for your health but also improves the efficiency of your morning studies or work. Breakfast should not be overlooked or rushed; you should eat it daily, and make sure it's substantial and healthy. Lunch shouldn't be an afterthought. Bringing your own "bento" box has many benefits: it saves time, money, and is nutritious and hygienic. If you do this with colleagues, you can even organize a small "lunch party." Dinner doesn't need to be a lavish reward of meat and fish; moderation is key to a healthy diet.
6. More movement, less sitting, a healthier body
In spring, new buds appear and a hundred flowers bloom, making it a perfect time to go outdoors and embrace nature. You should spend more time outside, not only to appreciate the beautiful natural scenery but also to exercise and promote your health.
Salt-water liver
Pumpkin