Spring has Sprung!

Ah, springtime—the season that flirts with sunshine and teases us with blooms. It’s as if the world hit the refresh button, and everything feels alive again. The flowers stretch toward the light, and honestly, I think we do too. It’s impossible not to feel inspired when even the weeds are thriving!

Spring Has Sprung: Fresh Starts, Gardens & Greens

There’s something magical about spring, isn’t there? The world feels like it’s waking up again—flowers blooming, cherry blossoms floating through the air, and sunlight warming your neck just enough to make you smile.

Everywhere I look, little gardens are sprouting up around the city. It makes me nostalgic for my childhood in Alabama, where my daddy always had a huge vegetable garden. Rows of beans, tomatoes, squash—you name it, he grew it.

Here in our Nation’s Capital, space is a little tighter. But on Capitol Hill, we’re lucky enough to have a small backyard. This year, Victor is building me a garden stand so I can grow herbs and veggies of my own. I can already imagine the scent of fresh basil and rosemary wafting through the air. Honestly, I couldn’t be more excited to dig in and get my hands dirty!

“Spring reminds us that growth doesn’t always happen overnight—sometimes it begins quietly, one tiny sprout at a time.”

Denise Roden

Bariatric Center For Success

Fresh from the Market: My Kale Smoothie Story

Speaking of veggies, the farmer’s market has come alive again! Everywhere I turn, there’s a rainbow of greens—kale, collards, broccoli rabe, onions—it’s a dream for anyone who loves fresh, healthy food.

Growing up, collard and turnip greens were a staple in our house, but kale was new to me. I didn’t actually try it until October 2014, when I attended a wellness conference. They were blending up kale smoothies, and I thought, “Well, that’s a first!” One sip later—Yum! Yum! I was hooked.

My Favorite Kale Smoothie Recipe

If you haven’t tried it, here’s my simple, creamy go-to blend:

  • A handful of ice
  • Two handfuls of kale
  • Half of a small banana
  • Half of a small avocado
  • One packet of Sweet’N Low (or your favorite sweetener)
  • Half a cup of Fairlife 2% milk


Blend until smooth, pour into your favorite glass, and enjoy! It’s refreshing, satisfying, and loaded with nutrients that do your body good.

Why Kale Deserves Its Superfood Status

Two cups of kale contain about 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber—enough to help you feel full and energized. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus folate, a B vitamin that supports healthy brain function.

Kale also gets its rich, dark-green color from lutein, an antioxidant that protects your eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts.

And that avocado you tossed in? Don’t be afraid of the fat—it’s the good kind! Avocados are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which help nourish your skin, protect your heart, and even slow signs of aging.

A Season for Growth

As I watch the gardens come to life again, I’m reminded that growth takes patience, care, and just a little sunshine. Whether it’s your backyard herbs, your health, or your mindset, spring is the perfect time to nurture what you want to see flourish.

So here’s to new beginnings, green smoothies, and tiny sprouts that grow into something beautiful.

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Denise Roden

Denise Roden, NBC-HWC

National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
Bariatric Center for Success, President

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