Spring is here, a season that brings a craving for new and healthy meal options for your customers to enjoy. Offering a variety of fresh and flavorful meals can be a huge help to guests who are trying to stick to healthy eating goals.
This is the best time for new crops of fresh fruits and vegetables – a great pair to any meal. Here are a few simple tips for incorporating some delicious fruits and vegetables into your menu this season.
| Fruit or Vegetable | Peak
Season |
Nutrition
Benefits |
Serving
Recommendation |
| Artichokes | March through May | High in fiber and vitamins, and low in calories | Serve as a delicious dip or pasta flavoring |
| Asparagus | March through June | High in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber | Add to an omelet or sushi |
| Kula Onions | March through December | High in vitamins B6, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, folate, and vitamin C | Serve raw or cooked into a local dish
|
| Lychees | May through September | High in vitamin C and fiber, and low in sodium | Serve on their own or as part of a dessert |
| Spring Peas | April through July | High in fiber and plant protein, while low in fat | A perfect side to an entrée or crisp addition to a salad |
| Strawberries | April through June | High in fiber and vitamin C | Add to a salad or light dessert option |
| Sweet Cherries | May through June | High in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium; and low in calories | Enjoy a la carte or in a naturally sweetened dessert |
Even a small adjustment to one’s diet, like adding a serving of fruits and vegetables daily, can have a significant effect on health. Fewer than 1 in 10 children and adults eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables, and only 4 in 10 eat the recommended daily amount of fruit. Poor nutrition contributes to many costly diseases including obesity, heart disease, and some cancers. Help your customers make healthy choices by providing fresh and nutritious menu options this spring and all year round.
John E. Aoki, M.D., CHCQM, FABQAURP
Chief Medical Officer
Brought to you by HMAA, where we’re passionate about your health. To find out more about HMAA’s health plans, visit hmaa.com or contact our Customer Service Center. For information about our menu of wellness services, please contact Naomi Azama at (808) 791-7607 or nazama@hmaa.com.
0 Comments