Spring is a great time to hit the local farmer’s market, with a variety of seasonal fruits and veggies hitting their peek of perfection. Asparagus makes our list of favorite foods for spring, as it’s loaded to good-for-you benefits and can be prepared in many different (tasty!) ways. The most common types are green, but you can also find purple and white stalks.

Why the green veggie deserves some credit:

• All varieties are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants including potassium, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin.
• Asparagus is rich in glutathione, a compound that works to break down free radicals in the body, which cause aging.
• It contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic to release fluid and help the body get rid of excess salt. Goodbye bloat!
• Feeling frisky after the meal? Asparagus is a libido-booster!  Part of it’s aphrodisiac status comes from the richness of vitamin B6 and folate, both of which can increase arousal and orgasm.
• Compounds in asparagus serve as a natural anti-inflammatory and have been known to help ease joint discomfort, helpful for those with conditions like Rhuematoid Arthritis.
• Low sodium, high fiber, fat- and cholesterol-free: Asparagus is the perfect non-diet, diet food to slim you.

So you know why you should eat asparagus, now here’s how to get your fill. Look for a bundle with newly cut, moist ends with tips that are firm and crisp. Asparagus should smell fresh and almost grassy. To keep them for up to a week, wrap the bottom of the stalks with a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Snap off the ends at the natural breaking point (you’ll feel the difference when you bend the stalk), and steam with lemon, roast with olive oil, or sauté with garlic for quick and easy ways to prepare this in-season veggie.

Here are a few more ingenious ways to incorporate asparagus into your diet:

• Artichoke, Edamame, and Asparagus Salad
• Asparagus and Zucchini Pizza
• Apricot-Glazed Asparagus
• Spaghetti With Asparagus and Lemon

Spring is a great time to hit the local farmer’s market, with a variety of seasonal fruits and veggies hitting their peek of perfection. Asparagus makes our list of favorite foods for spring, as it’s loaded to good-for-you benefits and can be prepared in many different (tasty!) ways. The most common types are green, but you can also find purple and white stalks.

Why the green veggie deserves some credit:

• All varieties are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants including potassium, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin.
• Asparagus is rich in glutathione, a compound that works to break down free radicals in the body, which cause aging.
• It contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic to release fluid and help the body get rid of excess salt. Goodbye bloat!
• Feeling frisky after the meal? Asparagus is a libido-booster!  Part of it’s aphrodisiac status comes from the richness of vitamin B6 and folate, both of which can increase arousal and orgasm.
• Compounds in asparagus serve as a natural anti-inflammatory and have been known to help ease joint discomfort, helpful for those with conditions like Rhuematoid Arthritis.
• Low sodium, high fiber, fat- and cholesterol-free: Asparagus is the perfect non-diet, diet food to slim you.

So you know why you should eat asparagus, now here’s how to get your fill. Look for a bundle with newly cut, moist ends with tips that are firm and crisp. Asparagus should smell fresh and almost grassy. To keep them for up to a week, wrap the bottom of the stalks with a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Snap off the ends at the natural breaking point (you’ll feel the difference when you bend the stalk), and steam with lemon, roast with olive oil, or sauté with garlic for quick and easy ways to prepare this in-season veggie.

Here are a few more ingenious ways to incorporate asparagus into your diet:

• Artichoke, Edamame, and Asparagus Salad
• Asparagus and Zucchini Pizza
• Apricot-Glazed Asparagus
• Spaghetti With Asparagus and Lemon

Nutrition bars travel well and are portion-controlled for sensible snacking while on the go. They make a nice addition to your morning coffee, can give you some pre-work fuel, and offer a save from mid-afternoon hunger pangs before your next meal. Ideally, look for bars with no more than around 200 calories and contain a balance of nutrients with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to satisfy cravings and keep you full. Check out some of our new favorites to keep on hand!

Luna Fiber: 110-120 calories, 7 g. of fiber to keep you full, and LUNA’s CORE 4 (calcium, folic acid, iron and vitamin D—more of what women need)
These fruit-filled bars are truly a treat! Great new flavors are a tasty way to up your daily fiber intake and keep you satisfied until your next meal.
We love: Peanut Butter Strawberry—Craving a warm peanut butter cookie? Zap this bar in the microwave for a healthy alternative.
Available at:Target and health food stores nationwide; $1.39 each

Pure Organic: 180-200 calories, 6-7 g. of protein to build lean muscle, USDA Certified Organic
Pure added a few new flavors to their already popular line. Dates make up the base of these bars, which are all-natural and delicious with very few ingredients.
We love: Banana Coconut—If you love banana bread, you won’t be able to resist this option.
Available at: Whole Foods Markets and supermarkets nationwide; $2.19 each

LARABAR über: 190-230 calories, high in potassium and good-for-you fats that support heart-health
The newest editions are inspired by the desserts you love! Made of whole nuts, fruit, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they are sweet, salty, and the perfect snack during a summer hike!
We love: Roasted Nut Roll—With it’s great texture, you can actually see the ingredients!
Available at: Whole Foods Markets and begining June 1 at supermarkets nationwide; $1.69 each

Nature’s Path Crunchy Granola Bars: 190-200 calories, 21 g. of whole grain and zero trans fat, USDA Certified Organic
Stop here if you’re looking to up the ante on your traditional granola bar. Crispy new flavors taste like a cookie and pack a nutritional punch.
We love: Macaroon Crunch—Dark chocolate chips and just a hint of coconut blend together deliciously.
Available at: Whole Foods Markets and supermarkets nationwide; $3.89 for a box of 5