By Shauna Lindzon, RD
Consulting Dietitian

After a long winter spring is finally here. When I think of spring, I think of green. Green is everywhere, from budding flowers, to sprouting grass, and best of all from an array of green vegetables such as baby spinach and mixed greens.

As the seasons change from winter to spring, I also think about how we change our typical eating habits to include fresh, healthier choices. I’d like to share with you how you can add a variety of green and/or nourishing foods into your daily routine.

If you are used to having hot cereal on a cold winter morning, try lightening up your breakfast with multigrain flake cereal with almonds. Add some colourful berries to your cereal to bump up the antioxidants at breakfast time.

A wholesome choice for a mid-morning snack is cheese sticks with a fibre packed apple. The protein in the cheese will keep you going until lunchtime.

If lunch is on the go, try a convenient container of Compliments Balance Vegetable Bean Couscous Instant Soup. As a side dish, add some fresh baby carrots, and dip them into Compliments Balance Roasted Red Pepper Low Fat Dip for additional flavour. Finish off an already healthy meal with yogurt that has probiotic bacteria. This good bacteria has been shown to help your digestion and immune system.

When you get that three o’clock lull, try a hand full of Compliments Balance Nut and Seed Trail Mix. This will be sure to give you that energy boost until dinner.

Since Canada’s Food Guide recommends adding at least two servings of fish into your diet per week, Compliments Balance Mango and Lime Glazed Tilapia is a great choice for your dinner meal. On the side, add a tasty and tangy organic salad using Compliments Organic Baby Spinach and mixed baby greens. Add a fresh red apple and a touch of cheese for flavour and this tangy salad is complete.

After a busy day, why not relax with a soothing cup of green tea. Green tea provides you with antioxidants, which combat those unwanted free radicals.

Enjoy adding these healthy choices to your spring menu and visit www.compliments.ca/inspired-magazine/2008-spring for more nutritious and delicious ideas and recipes!