A fresh boost from spring cuisine

Nutrition tips to combat spring fatigue

Spring is finally here – but with it often comes spring fatigue.
This is a typical phenomenon at the beginning of spring, leading to fatigue, lack of concentration and motivation, irritability, and mood swings for many people. Some sufferers also experience circulatory problems and headaches that can even last for weeks. A healthy diet and sufficient exercise counteract spring fatigue and help us start the spring feeling truly fit.

Fresh greenery in springtime

In winter, our diet consists mainly of hearty dishes and rather fatty meals. This is perfectly natural, as our bodies require more energy due to the cold. However, once the cold winter days are over, this heavy diet leads to prolonged lethargy and fatigue. Anyone who wants to prevent the well-known spring fatigue and instead start the spring feeling fit should adapt their eating habits to the season . A light and balanced diet provides more energy and also helps shed those winter pounds.

Seasonal vegetables, herbs , and fiber-rich side dishes like whole-grain bread, potatoes, rice, and legumes boost metabolism and activity. Whether it's dandelion, spinach, or wild garlic , spring brings a bounty of fresh, young greens. These can be used to prepare delicious and healthy meals in salads, smoothies, and soups, rich in essential minerals, trace elements, and vitamins. So, what grows isn't just beautiful to look at; it can also be a real rejuvenating boost for our winter-weary cells .

A culinary start to spring with chervil pesto

Chervil , for example, is one of the first herbs to enrich our spring cuisine with its aroma. Its bitter compounds gently stimulate digestion, it supports the immune system with vitamin C, and provides us with magnesium, iron, and zinc. Traditionally, it is used in many Easter dishes and is also an ingredient in the famous Frankfurt "Green Sauce."

How about a delicious pesto made from fresh chervil? It's not only delicious on pasta and vegetable noodles, but also on crispy crostini. It's also perfect for refining vegetable soup and adds the finishing touch to salad dressings.

It's that easy:

• Roughly chop 30g of almonds and roast them in a pan until golden brown, then let them cool.
• Wash 70g of chervil and shake it dry gently.
• Blend the cooled almonds, 20g coarsely chopped carrot , 1/2 tsp salt , some pepper , a peeled and coarsely chopped garlic clove and about 100ml olive oil in a mixer or with a hand blender to make pesto.
• Stir in 35g of freshly grated Parmesan cheese .
• Season with a generous squeeze of lemon juice .

More energy through vital nutrients and exercise

Vitamins not only prevent spring fatigue, but are also essential for life. Besides vitamins C and B1, our bodies also need unsaturated fatty acids , which are found in nuts, seeds, and fish. Another vitamin that combats spring fatigue is vitamin D , which is primarily absorbed through UV light. However, animal products such as milk, salmon, and eggs also contain a certain amount of vitamin D and thus provide more energy.

Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a bike ride or a jog – in addition to a healthy diet, we should spend at least 30 minutes outdoors every day to soak up the sun and promote our health.
Then you can fully enjoy the fresh start in spring!

Reference: evgenyatamanenko