As the weather changes, so do eating habits. In the winter people tend to eat heartier, warmer foods like stews, casseroles and hot chocolate. But as spring and warmer weather approaches the baked potato soup and soft tacos are traded in for fruits and salads.

           “I’d definitely say I’m not as healthy in fall and winter as I am in spring and summer,” senior Rachel Heeb said.  “I think of salads and fruits when I think of spring.”

           Sophomore Shauna Robertson agrees that she tends to eat healthier foods like fruits in the spring.

During spring, people also tend to eat outside more, whether at barbecues, picnics, or just sitting outdoors at a restaurant. Robertson enjoys the fresh spring air by going to barbecues with her family. There are many healthy fun foods for spring like the following recipes.

Picnics

There is something exciting and fun about having a picnic, it can bring back childhood memories and create some quality time outdoors and in nature. Find a remote wilderness location or even just a nearby park and pack these healthy spring foods:

Turkey Sandwiches on whole wheat bread
salad- lettuce, olives, cucumbers and tomatoes with oil and vinaigrette dressing
caprice- slices of buffalo mozzarella with tomato slices, basil, olive oil, and vinegar
peaches/strawberries
celery or apples with peanut butter
carrots, possibly with sour cream dip or ranch
Bottled water

Salad dressing and toppings can often make or break an attempt at healthy eating.  A lot of ranch, croutons or bacon can add a lot of unneeded calories and fat to a typically healthy meal.  Using oil and vinaigrette dressing and topping with vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers is a much healthier option.

Barbecues
Barbecues can be a great way to connect with friends and family while cooking up favorite recipes as the weather gets nicer. Here are some delicious and healthy options for spring:

Grilled zucchini and yellow squash: dot with butter, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder then seal in aluminum foil and leave on the grill for twenty minutes.
turkey dogs and turkey burgers
grilled chicken
watermelon slices with a melon baller (also works with cantaloupe)
baked chips
corn-on-the-cob

Turkey dogs and burgers are great low-cal substitutes for the typical beef, and squash, zucchini and corn are great ways to get vegetables.  

Drinks
Smoothies and ice cold beverages are a great way to keep hydrated as the weather gets warmer. Here are some fun recipes:

Watermelon lemonade: puree 6 cups of 1-inch cubes of seedless watermelon with a ½ cup of lemon juice in a blender until smooth and then move into a larger container and add 6 cups of water and ¾ cup of cane sugar and stir until dissolved. Then pour over ice and you can add mint sprigs and/or thin slices of watermelon for a garnish.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2546

Strawberry/banana smoothies- put ten oz. of fresh strawberries, 2 ripe bananas, 3 tablespoons of honey, a cup of ice cubes, and ¾ cups of milk or yogurt in a blender and blend until smooth!

Berry smoothie- ½ cup blueberries, ½ cup strawberries, ½ cup blackberries, 1 medium carrot, 1 cup of low-fat milk, 1 cup pomegranate (or cranberries) and 2 cups of ice.

The fruits in these smoothies, especially the berries, are full of antioxidants and vitamins; try these healthy smoothies instead of chocolate shakes.

Desserts
Desserts are what many people look forward to after eating a big meal. Many choose to eat unhealthy desserts without realizing there is any other option.  Here are some yummy, nutritional desserts that taste no different than an ordinary dessert.

Frozen blueberry yogurt- 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, (thawed). 2 1/2 cups plain yogurt,
1 cup of half and half and 1 cup of sugar. Mash the blueberries first and combine with all the ingredients. Cover, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. http://www.yogurt-everyday.com/frozen-yogurt-recipes.html

Granola-like bars- Combine equal parts honey and brown sugar with a little oil and boil; toss with granola until the mixture is very sticky. More nuts, raisins, or even some chocolate chips can be tasty additions. Line a pan with waxed paper and press the  mixture into the pan and let cool.

Dipping chocolate- A container of melted chocolate thinned with cream or crème fraîche with strawberries, pineapple or bananas for dipping.

Blueberries and other fruits have important anti-oxidants and are extremely healthy. Frozen yogurt is also healthy and fairly low fat and cal. Granola bars can often satisfy a sweet tooth without consuming too much processed or unnatural fats. Lastly, the dipping chocolate isn’t very low cal or healthy but used in moderation it at least provides the nutrition of fresh fruits.