April Health Highlights
Fresh Spring Nutrition Tips, Simple Recipes, and Ways to Reduce Food Waste
April is the perfect time to refresh healthy habits. As the weather warms up and spring produce starts appearing in stores and gardens, it’s a great opportunity to focus on fresh ingredients, simple meals, and reducing food waste at home.
This month’s nutrition highlights feature practical tips for cleaning produce, creative ways to repurpose leftovers, seasonal gardening inspiration, and a couple of simple recipes to try.
Clean Your Produce Naturally 🥕
Spring means more fresh fruits and vegetables in meals and snacks. Properly cleaning produce helps remove dirt, bacteria, and residue while keeping your food safe to eat.
Here are a few simple homemade produce wash options using common household ingredients:
• Vinegar and water wash
• Lemon and water wash
• Baking soda and water wash
• Salt water wash
Each method uses simple ingredients and only takes about 10 minutes to help clean fruits and vegetables naturally.
Reduce Food Waste by Repurposing Leftovers ♻️
Did you know nearly 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste each year? Repurposing leftovers is a simple way to stretch groceries further while creating new meals.
Try these ideas:
• Add leftover vegetables to stir-fries or omelets
• Blend overripe fruit into smoothies
• Turn leftover rice into fried rice or grain bowls
• Make croutons or breadcrumbs from stale bread
Celebrate National Garden Month 🌱
April is also National Garden Month, making it a great time to start planting and enjoying fresh seasonal produce.
Some vegetables that can be planted this month include:
• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Mustard greens
• Radishes
• Cucumbers
• Corn
You can also look for fresh seasonal produce like arugula, asparagus, broccoli, and Swiss chard when shopping this spring.
Try These Healthy Recipes 🥗
Looking for meal inspiration? Try these simple, nutritious recipes:
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Savory Oatmeal with mushrooms, spinach, and eggs
Both recipes highlight fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition, making them great options for quick lunches or healthy breakfasts.
We’re Here to Support You 💚
Nutrition HealthWorks dietitians at the YMCA are here to provide personalized support tailored to your goals — whether that’s building balanced meals, improving energy, or managing a specific health condition.
NINA CASETTA, RD
Warlick Family YMCA Dietitian
Nutrition HealthWorks
PATRICIA SKOLNIK, RD, LDN
Stowe Family YMCA
Nutrition HealthWorks