12 Spring Foods to Help You Shed Your Winter Weight

Arugula is an immune boosting vegetable and one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. It is rich in vitamins like A, K, and folate, plus chlorophyll, fiber, and even water. Arugula can help improve almost every system in your body, while also supporting bone density, cancer prevention, and helping fight inflammation.

Artichokes are an excellent source of fiber! One cooked medium artichoke contains over a whopping 10 grams of fiber, and half a cup of artichoke hearts contains around 7 grams of fiber. They are also rich in folic acid, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and many minerals. These nutrients help lower cholesterol, reduce your risk of cancer, boost heart health, and promote liver health.

Peas might be small, but they are powerhouses of nutrition for your body. They contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamins C,K, and several B vitamins, plus manganese, phosphorus, thiamin,and folate. Peas are packed with a surprising amount of protein-9 grams per cup- and a solid dose of fiber.

Craving a sweet and delicious treat this spring? Reach for a cup of antioxidant rich strawberries! Strawberries are packed with vitamins, fiber, and particularly high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Not to mention, they are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food. Eating strawberries will improve your overall immune system, reduce premature aging, and even help balance blood sugar.

Asparagus is not only low calorie, but it is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables. It is rich in fiber, calcium, copper, folate, and iron in addition to vitamins A,C,E,K, and B6. Additionally, eating asparagus has a number of potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, heart and bone health, and cancer prevention.

Radishes are a powerful detoxifer, meaning they are pros at removing waste and toxins from both the stomach and liver. Radishes are high in Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to control your blood cholesterol levels, reduce the accumulation of free radicals, and helps to prevent cell damage. It also plays a key role in collagen production which supports healthy skin and blood vessels.

Apricots are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, promotes good vision, a strong immune system, and is crucial for growth and development. Apricots are also a good source of dietary fiber. This is important because fiber helps reduce the bad cholesterol in your body and in turn protects your heart.

Rhubarb has a tart flavor that pairs well with fruit to become a sweet treat! It is known for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Rhubarb contains fiber, calcium, Vitamin K, potassium, folate, and iron. Lastly, Rhubarb is high in catechins, which are known for its belly fat fighting properties.

Don't let the size of these green legumes fool you! They are packed with an incredible amount of nutrients. Fava Beans are rich in fiber, folate, manganese, Vitamin K, thiamin, magnesium, and so much more! Additionally, these legumes are a great source of lean protein with over 10 grams per cup!

This tiny herb is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals! In fact, it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It contains more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, and has more folate than bananas. Additionally, it boasts a high content of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and B vitamins. Watercress has recently been under the spotlight for its ability to diminish your risk of cancer, specifically breast cancer.

Morel mushrooms carry the highest amount of vitamin D among the edible mushrooms. Vitamin D helps with the regulation of your immune system and blood pressure, plus bone metabolism and calcium metabolism. Morels also contain significant amounts of iron, copper, and B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin and riboflavin.

Ramps, also known as 'wild leeks', are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Ramps contain a large amount of antioxidant content, especially polyphenols, vitamin A, vitamin C, and selenium. The iron found in ramps helps with oxygen distribution in the body, supports healthy immune function, and increases energy levels.

Spinach is one of the healthiest greens out there! It is rich in muscle-building protein, satiating fiber, energy-boosting iron, bone-strengthening magnesium, and vitamins A and C. Spinach is also a significant source of vitamin K, which helps your bones retain their calcium. Eating spinach can help improve eyesight and reduce the risk of cataracts.