As the footsteps of spring gradually move away, the Beginning of Summer quietly arrives, all things are growing, and the human body enters a golden period of nourishment. At this moment of seasonal transition, proper diet becomes especially important. It not only helps us adapt to the upcoming summer but also strengthens our constitution, bringing health and vitality to the whole family. Among many foods, there are three praised as the “health three treasures” before and after the Beginning of Summer, namely: bamboo shoots, shepherd’s purse, and strawberries. These treasures are not only delicious but also nutritionally rich, with various ways of consumption. Let’s explore them together and learn how to eat for nourishment and health!
**First Treasure: Bamboo Shoots, Freshness in the Mountains**
Bamboo shoots, known as a “treasure in vegetables,” are the messengers of spring. They have a crisp and tender texture, delicious taste, and are rich in dietary fiber, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. Especially high in potassium, they help regulate electrolyte balance, promote gastrointestinal motility, and prevent constipation. Bamboo shoots can be prepared in various ways, whether stir-fried, cold-dressed, or stewed, maintaining their unique freshness.
1. Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots
Slice the bamboo shoots thinly, quickly stir-fry them to retain their original sweetness and tenderness, add a little salt for seasoning, simple and delicious.
2. Bamboo Shoots with Pork Rib Soup
Stew bamboo shoots with pork ribs, the freshness of bamboo shoots blends into the rich soup base, providing calcium and clearing heat, suitable for the whole family.
**Second Treasure: Shepherd’s Purse, Greenery in the Fields**
Shepherd’s purse is one of the most common wild vegetables in the spring fields, rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium, iron, and other nutrients. It has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly suitable for consumption in spring, helping the body detoxify and enhance immunity. Shepherd’s purse has a slightly bitter taste, but after cooking, it can evoke a different deliciousness.
1. Shepherd’s Purse Dumplings
Chop shepherd’s purse, mix it with pork or shrimp to make the filling for dumplings, cook and enjoy the fresh fragrance with balanced nutrition.
2. Shepherd’s Purse Tofu Soup
Cook shepherd’s purse with tender tofu, season lightly, a light and refreshing soup that reduces greasiness and supplements nutrition.
**Third Treasure: Strawberries, Sweet Seduction of Early Summer**
Strawberries, as a fruit at the end of spring, are not only visually appealing but also nutritionally rich, containing vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They help enhance resistance, promote beauty, and are a rare natural dessert before and after the Beginning of Summer.
1. Eating Strawberries Directly
Rinse and eat them directly, the most straightforward way to enjoy, retaining the original flavor and nutrition of strawberries.
2. Strawberry Smoothie
Mix fresh strawberries with milk or yogurt to make a strawberry smoothie, cool and thirst-quenching, replenishing protein and calcium, an ideal summer drink.
How to Eat for Better Nutrition?
1. Diversified Pairing
Skillfully combine ingredients such as bamboo shoots, shepherd’s purse, and strawberries with meat, soy products, grains, etc., to achieve nutritional complementation.
2. Moderation is Key
Everything should be eaten in moderation. Especially for high-sugar fruits such as strawberries, consuming them in moderation will better harness their health benefits.
3. Choose Freshness
Choose fresh seasonal ingredients to ensure the best taste and maximize the nutritional content.
**Lifestyle Tips, Healthy Every Day**
1. Adequate Exercise
After the Beginning of Summer, as the weather gets warmer, engaging in outdoor activities such as morning runs, walks, yoga, etc., can promote blood circulation, enhance physical fitness, but avoid the high-temperature midday to prevent heatstroke.
2. Sufficient Hydration
With rising temperatures, the body’s water evaporation increases. Maintaining sufficient water intake is essential; at least 8 glasses of water a day help maintain the body’s water balance and metabolism.
3. Midday Rest
Follow the natural rhythms, take a brief nap at noon, which not only relieves fatigue but also enhances afternoon productivity, maintaining a good mental state.
Let us enjoy good food while reaping happiness and health, so that the whole family can have a great summer, with good mood, strong bodies, and a better life!
