Boost spring training with superfoods!

It takes both dedication to a workout schedule and a healthy diet to really see great results, whether you’re looking to lose weight, tone your muscles, drop a pant size or increase your endurance and stamina levels. Throughout the bitter cold and snow of winter, you were diligent about pounding the belt of commercial treadmills and focusing on your cardio training. In between sessions on commercial fitness equipment, you may have opted for heartier comfort foods to take the sting out of the chilly winds by eating dinners of chili, soup or pasta. While these are delicious, they may not have helped your rides on commercial exercise bikes as much as leaner, nutritious options might have. But never fear! Now that spring is officially here, you can revamp your eating plan. In fact, March is National Nutrition Month, so now is the perfect time to examine what you’ve been putting in your body. The theme for 2014 is “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right,” and focuses on the fact that flavor is a huge factor in a person choosing one food over another. The good news is that this list of spring superfoods is full of nutritious and tasty items. Spring superfoods to boost your health and fitness Fava beans: These are also known as broad beans and are a favorite springtime addition to any kitchen. Fava beans are an excellent source of protein, packing in 13 grams per cup. They’re also rich in iron, vitamins and fiber, so they make an excellent snack or side dish. You can even make them into a dip. Artichokes: This delicious springtime food is loaded with magnesium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. They also provide vitamin C and potassium to keep your immune system strong. What’s more, artichokes are rich in antioxidants, and AARP noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranked them No. 7 on the top 20 antioxidant-rich foods list. Arugula: A fresh spring salad can be a refreshing lunch option, so prepare one with some peppery arugula, which is plentiful in lutein, a key nutrient in maintaining healthy eyes. You’ll stay fuller for longer by eating arugula, as it is a cruciferous vegetable. Green peas: Peas are excellent for making soup or as a side dish, and they are a great source of protein. They also provide high levels of vitamins K, A, B1​, B6 and C. Asparagus: This crunchy green is a source of folate, which works with vitamin B12 to keep your mind strong and boost your mood. It’s also a terrific source of vitamins A,C,K, and E as well as detoxifying glutathione.