Back on Track with Fresh Flavors of Spring

What a great time to get back on track! There’s nothing better than fresh vegetables and fruits from your local farmer’s market to kick-start your weight loss goals. I find that this time of year always helps me shed those extra five pounds that somehow sneak on during the winter months.

Normally, I buy my vegetables at our local market, but this year I decided to grow my own. My “permanent fiancé” Victor built two beautiful plant stands from an old picnic table, and they’ve quickly become my favorite spot in the yard. I’ve planted beefsteak and cherry tomatoes, zucchini and yellow squash, lettuce, bell peppers, and cucumbers. My little herb garden is thriving too — filled with lavender, peppermint, thyme, rosemary, basil, and oregano. I can’t wait to see it all come to life! There’s even a bit of extra space left, so I’m debating what else to plant. They get full sun all day, so I’ll have to choose wisely — any ideas?

When it comes to cooking, I can never resist a good vegetable casserole. Squash and broccoli casseroles are my absolute favorites. I just spent Mother’s Day weekend with my mom and sister, and between the three of us, we made two broccoli casseroles while I was there — and I made another one when I got back to D.C.! Fresh broccoli is unbeatable, and as we say in the South, you can never have too many casserole dishes!

Victor and I plan to sail the Chesapeake this Memorial Day weekend, and even on the water, I try to keep things healthy. We’ve become pros at using our Lodge Dutch Oven to make one-pot meals — toss in some meat, add vegetables toward the end, and you’ve got a hearty, flavorful dinner (plus leftovers!). Of course, I’ll still have my traditional hamburger, but I’ll skip the bun and wrap it in crisp Bibb lettuce instead — yum!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ahead. Enjoy the sunshine, savor the fresh flavors of the season, and don’t forget to thank a veteran for all they do to keep us safe and free.