Now that it is officially spring, farmers’ markets, produce stands and gardens are making a comeback! 

Cooking and eating seasonally is the best way to ensure that your food is at peak flavor and freshness! Spring vegetables are also nutritional powerhouses that can help your body naturally get the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. 

Try planting or purchasing some of these delicious in-season vegetables: 

• These stalky spears are a springtime staple. Asparagus stays in season from March to June so there is plenty of time to enjoy it in your Lean & Green Meals. Tender asparagus is a great source of fiber that keeps your digestive system working smoothly. Try your asparagus steamed and finished with a spritz of lemon juice.
• This versatile veggie is great grilled, baked and even raw. No matter how you choose to eat your zucchini, you will glean heart-healthy benefits of potassium in every bite.
• Spinach is an extremely versatile green. It can be incorporated in salads, soups, casseroles, omelets, and many other Lean & Green Meals!
• Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh mushrooms. Not only are they low in calories, but most mushrooms are also a good or excellent source of several B vitamins.

Visit the OPTAVIA app for more than 200 plan-approved Lean & Green recipes that incorporate these fresh veggies and more! 

Ask me about other spring vegetables to include in your Lean & Green Meals! 

As you work toward optimal health and wellbeing, keep the “Trilogy Wheel” in mind — an approach detailed inYour LifeBook. The Trilogy Wheel encompasses the idea that a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy finances are key in achieving Lifelong Transformation, Making a Healthy Lifestyle Second Nature.

A healthy body looks and feels different for everyone, but it’s important to remember that you own your transformation. Making simple changes to your nutrition, lifestyle and stress management can help provide you with positive long-term results.

Consider these tips as you begin to work the Trilogy Wheel into your daily routine:

• Eat and drink healthy. The food and beverages you consume can influence your mood and energy levels. A healthy diet includes a variety of vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins and good hydration. Visit the OPTAVIA app to select weekly Lean & Green recipes and make your ingredients list! In place of sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda or sugary alcoholic or coffee beverages, refresh your body with plain or sparkling water infused with a wedge of lemon or lime and/or fresh herbs, like basil or mint, to add a little flavor.
• Practice healthy sleep. Sufficient sleep is crucial for anyone working toward optimal health. Staying up late or sleeping minimal hours each night will cloud your ability to think clearly and logically. Typically, it’s recommended you get a minimum of eight hours of sleep each night.
• Stay active. When you’re ready, implementing light exercise into your routine is an excellent way to work toward a healthy body. Take a walk around your neighborhood, opt for the stairs instead of the elevator or play outside with your kids. Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine.
• Take time to relax. Even though it is important to get your body moving, it is equally essential to give your body time to relax when needed, so grab a journal, light some candles and take time for yourself to reflect on your journey.

Reach out to me for other ways to work the Trilogy Wheel into your daily routine.

Steven, following weight gain that resulted from a rare bone cancer and surgical procedure, utilized a combination of OPTAVIA and medical weight loss**. Starting with the 5 & 1 Plan and eventually transitioning to the Nutrition Kit for Medically Supported Weight Loss, Steven felt his life undergo a remarkable transformation thanks to OPTAVIA.

The OPTAVIA program, combined with weight loss medication, exceeded Steven's expectations, dispelling the misconception that medication alone suffices for weight loss. He is eternally grateful to his independent OPTAVIA Coach for "fueling his motivation and focus on his mission."

Through the program, he also adopted simple yet effective lifestyle changes – from healthier eating and increased exercise to improved sleep.

Eager to share his ongoing journey and future weight loss plans, he credits OPTAVIA in combination with medical weight loss for his new lease on life, aspiring to inspire others in achieving their health goals.