Food and Mindful Eating Practices for Spring
With the arrival of spring, many of us seek to renew our health and well-being habits. Chef Cândida Batista shares her tips and insights with us on how to revitalise your diet and promote a healthy lifestyle during this rejuvenating season to assist you in this journey.
Chef Cândida Batista, known for her innovative approach to cooking and commitment to mindful eating, emphasizes the importance of choosing nutritious and balanced foods to boost our physical and mental health. “Spring is a time of renewal, and this extends to our diet. Opting for fresh, seasonal, and nutrient-rich foods can revitalize our body and mind,” says Chef Cândida.
Additionally, Chef Cândida offers insights into mindful eating practices, encouraging a holistic approach to nourishing the body and soul. “Mindful eating is not just about what we put on our plate, but also about how we connect with our food and savour every bite,” she tells YCB.
Here are five tips for cooking healthily and with a holistic view of the body:
- Prioritize Whole and Natural Ingredients: Opt for whole and natural ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Avoid highly processed foods rich in additives and preservatives.
- Nutritional Balance: To ensure complete nutrition, strive for balanced macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) in your meals. Include a variety of colourful foods on your plate to obtain a wide range of nutrients.
- Mindful Cooking and Mindful Eating: Practice mindful cooking by paying attention to the foods you prepare and consume. Enjoy every step of the cooking process and adopt mindful eating, which involves eating with full attention, savouring each bite, and paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
- Reduce Sugar and Salt Intake: Avoid excessive added sugars and salt consumption in your recipes. Instead, try natural substitutes such as fruits for sweetness and herbs and spices for flavour.
- Experiment with Functional Foods: Incorporate functional foods into your recipes, such as acai, quinoa, chia, flaxseed, kale, ginger, and turmeric. These foods offer health benefits beyond simply providing nutrients, contributing to a holistic view of body well-being.
Chef Cândida emphasizes the importance of adapting to the natural rhythm of the seasons when planning our meals. “By tuning our food choices with the seasonal cycle, we can enjoy fresher, tastier, and more nutritious foods,” she says.
Here is a list of foods that are in season during spring and are great options to consume during this time of the year:
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Cauliflower
- Artichokes
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Avocados
- Chives
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Fig
- Watercress
- Lettuce
- Beets
These foods are fresh and flavorful and offer a variety of essential nutrients to help maintain a balanced diet during spring.
Additionally, Chef Cândida highlights the importance of variety and diversity in the diet, encouraging people to try various seasonal foods. “By incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and greens into our diet, we can obtain a wide range of essential nutrients for our health and well-being,” she explains.
