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Spring has sprung and if you’ve always suspected that weight loss is easier in warmer weather, you might be on to something. In a study of nearly 600 adults, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition , daily calorie consumption was higher by almost 90 calories per day during the fall compared to the spring. These findings echo those from a 1991 University of Georgia study, which found that participants ate about 200 more calories per day in autumn. According to the Institute of Medicine, researchers hypothesize that because bodily functions like digestion generate heat, the body must work extra hard in warm weather to cool down from these activities. In order to reduce the body’s workload, biological responses that suppress appetite are triggered in higher temps, causing us to consume fewer calories. This is a nice little bonus if you’re considering kicking off your weight loss journey this season. Follow these five spring weight loss tips to ensure you maximize your w...

Spring is the perfect time to shake up your vegetable routine with fresh, seasonal produce like artichokes. Known for their flavor that’s similar to asparagus with a subtle nutty twist, artichokes are a versatile and healthy addition to your spring recipes. Available fresh during the spring season, these nutrient-rich veggies are easier to prepare and cook than you might think. Whether you’re making salads, pasta or side dishes, artichokes bring a delicious, seasonal touch to your meals. Looking for ways to cook with artichokes this spring? Start exploring easy and tasty artichoke recipes today! Nutrition Highlights and Health Benefits of Artichokes Artichokes are packed with nutrients, low in calories and loaded with fiber.  A whole artichoke has just 76 calories and no fat or cholesterol. It comes with 5 grams of protein and it supplies you with 21 percent of your daily allowance for vitamin C, 23 percent of the magnesium you need each day, and 12 percent of the RDA for iron...

When the days grow longer and warmer, we all feel better. Not only do we get to enjoy more fresh air and sunshine but we also find an abundance of deliciously healthy spring foods in grocery stores and farmers markets. These seasonal fruits and vegetables can be the foundation of Flex meals that the whole family will love. To help you choose and use the bounty of spring, we’ve gathered this list of eight exceptional in-season produce options, plus some tempting ways to eat them. 1. Artichokes Artichokes are the flower buds from thistle plants. Their tough, spiny outer petals enclose smaller petals that are full of soft pulp and a tender “heart” attached to the stem. You may find purplish varieties as well as the more common dark green types. While canned artichoke hearts are available in stores year-round, spring is prime time for the fresh buds. Nutritional highlights: According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , a half-cup of cooked artichokes has about 71 ...