Stawberry Sweet Summer
Hi Joyful Humans!
Welcome to summer! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the weather is mild! In this newsletter we have discussed many different ways to improve your physical and mental health. And summer brings a bounty of tasty and nutritious additions to our meals!
Every May, my family and I travel over to Beasley’s orchard in Danville, Indiana to pick up fresh from the vine strawberries. Have you ever had a fresh May strawberry? It’s a completely different experience than the pale strawberries we typically see in the grocery store. When we eat fruits and vegetables in season, not only are they tastier, but they are also at the height of their nutritional value.
Strawberries can be eaten whole, sliced and sugared, pureed into smoothies or baked into hundreds of yummy treats. Now, you know the that at Deserving of Joy, we do not subscribe to diet culture, and neither should you! There are no forbidden foods and restriction is never the answer. (If I tell you not to eat ice cream, what do you crave? Ice cream!) Instead, we want to focus on adding in a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains into our daily meals. Focus on real foods, in season, prepared simply for greatest nutrition.
Below, I’ve included two simple strawberry recipes for your enjoyment, one salad, and one sweet treat. Have a fabulous summer! Eat the rainbow, move your body, don’t forget to get good sleep, and always make your mental health a top priority. That’s the path to a joyful and healthful summer, and you my friend, deserve joy!
Strawberry Salad:
Take washed, sliced, in season strawberries, and spread them over a bed of leafy greens of your choosing, such as spinach or lettuce. Personally, I’ve been enjoying arugula for it’s spicy punch lately! Add slivered almonds for a nice crunchy texture, and top with goat cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a complex zesty flavor to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries.
Strawberry Shortcake:
Slice strawberries into bite sized pieces, dust with a few tablespoons of sugar, and let them stew in a bowl for 15 min to draw out the juices. Prepare a vanilla or lemon cake, or savory biscuit, per your preference. This can be store bought or homemade. Top your pastry with the sugared strawberries and a large dollop of sweetened whipped cream
Have a joyful and strawberry sweet summer!
Dr. Mount