Victoria Day weekend means a vast number of things in Toronto. Aside from the celebration of the late Queen Victoria’s birthday (to thank for the additional statutory holiday), it signifies the warm spring temperatures, wearing t-shirts and flip-flops, dusting off BBQ sets, assembling patio furniture, watching fireworks, walking on the beach, and of course, lots of food and alcoholic drinks.
Have a healthier Victoria Day weekend by incorporating local spring produce from your region (to “offset” that wine you’ll be having).
If you want to change your health, improve from a chronic health condition, lose weight, and feel great, then this long weekend buy and try some new fresh produce at the grocery store or farmer’s market and skip the junky processed foods that will leave you feeling crappy on Tuesday morning.
Try to eat in alignment with the seasons, and eat locally. Don’t be discouraged if you have picky eaters OR if you are the picky eater - it takes at least 10 times to try something before the taste buds determine whether they acquire a taste for it or not, and most of the time, a dislike for fresh fruits and vegetables is due to early exposure and diet of mostly high sugar foods. If you have young children, now is the perfect time to introduce them to fresh, whole foods and become a role model, as children model their parent’s habits.
In Ontario, we have an abundance of spring fruits and vegetables that are perfect to pair as a side dish or dessert for your Victoria Day feast.
FRUITS:
[Eat raw or lightly grill/bake and sprinkle with cinnamon, raw honey, cacao, unsweetened coconut flakes, or other spices.]
Apples – rich in phytonutrients to help reduce risk of disease, high in fibre, lowers cholesterol, blood sugar management, prevents bad breath
Rhubarb – natural laxative for proper digestive health, high in fibre, improves bone health, promotes brain health
Strawberries – promotes skin health, anti-aging, improves eye health, boosts immune system
GREAT TO GRILL:
[Drizzle in olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper (optional: other herbs/spices) and grill until cooked.]
Asparagus – prebiotic to improve digestive health, high in fibre, regulates blood sugar, builds strong bones
Mushrooms – high in Vitamin D for healthy skin, nails, hair, and bones, boosts immune system to prevent sickness
Onions – prebiotic to improve digestive health, detoxifying, boost immune system to prevent sickness, prevent asthma, reduce risk of gastric ulcers
Peppers – high in Vitamin C, boosts immune system, prevents anemia, regulates blood pressure
Tomatoes – improves vision, blood sugar management, prevents kidney and gallstones, promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair
GREAT TO ROAST:
[Drizzle in olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper (optional: other herbs/spices) and roast until cooked.]
Beets – stimulates liver detoxification, purifies blood vessels, prevents gastric ulcers, faster wound healing
Carrots – improves vision, promotes skin health, protects liver health
Parsnips – improves oral health (teeth, gums, etc.), promotes healthy digestion, prevents asthma symptoms
Squash – boosts immune system to prevent sickness, prevents gastric ulcers, reduces risk of heart disease, blood sugar management, improves blood circulation
Sweet Potatoes – high in fibre to support digestive health, regulates blood sugar, improves vision, reduces arthritis symptoms
GREAT FOR SALADS:
Cabbage – supports stomach and colon detoxification, blood purifier, anti-bacterial and anti-viral to prevent sickness
Cucumber – improves skin health, lowers blood pressure, hydrating, reduces joint pain symptoms, prevents bad breath
Spinach – promotes red blood cells to prevent anemia, reduces stress, supports bone health, supports healthy digestion
Radishes – reduces urinary and kidney issues, treatment of jaundice, supports respiratory health (sinuses, lungs, etc.)
STAY HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND HAPPY VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND!
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