The birds are chirping the flowers are blooming—Spring is here! Makes you want to roll up your sleeves and get to it! Time for Spring cleaning! I'm not talking about digging into your closets and under your bed—ferreting out the dust bunnies and donating unused items "Kondo" style—although it is a good idea. I'm talking about Spring cleaning your pantry!

Clean eating or "spring eating" (my term) is a meal plan wherein you eat less processed foods, more fruits, veggies, beans, nuts. Spring eating means paying attention to the nutrient content of your foods (read labels) and in addition to paying attention to what goes into your mouth, get enough sleep and physical activity. Good friends, laughter and having a purpose round it all out to make for a long and happy life. www.mayoclinic.org

So, how are we going to do that?

Take a look in your pantry:

• All those winter-time comfort snacks (cookies, chips, etc) need to go
• Think light and bright when you are planning meals (dark colored fruits and veg—meat and cheese as flavorings not the star of the show)
• Get outside—clean up your yard, go for a walk, plant a garden
• Plan a lunch date with an old friend, visit with your neighbors

In essence—get out there and smell the roses/daffodils/tulips—they are blooming NOW! Don't waste this precious opportunity to improve your health.

Be Smart, Eat Well, Get Healthy

Go to https://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/ for some great recipes or try the one below:

I will be demonstrating this recipe on Monday, April 15th-- https://www.facebook.com/events/466170507256932/

Sautéed Radishes

1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
1 to 2 bunches radishes (about 1 pound with tops), trimmed and each cut into quarters or halves if small
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

1. In nonstick 12-inch skillet, melt butter or oil. Add radishes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; cook 14 to 15 minutes or until radishes are fork-tender and lightly browned.

2. Remove skillet from heat; toss radishes with dill and transfer to warm serving bowl.

• NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Calories: 45,Total Fat: 3 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g ,Cholesterol: 0 mg,Sodium: 210 mg, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Fiber: 2 g, Protein: 1 g