Spring Into Delicious Foods And Activities
We are so thankful for what this year’s spring season has to offer! Feeling the warmer weather, seeing flowers in bloom and hearing birds chirping are typical (and wonderful) staples of the season. This spring there is a renewed sense of joy as we gather with fully vaccinated family and friends, sharing experiences of delicious food and outdoor activities.
With the spirit of togetherness, here are some of our favorite spring activities and tasty recipes:
Hiking
Take a hike! According to the National Park Service, there are many physical and mental benefits you receive from hiking and being in nature.
Physical Benefits
- Building stronger muscles and bones
- Improving your sense of balance
- Improving your heart health
- Decreasing the risk of certain respiratory problems
Mental Health
Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health. Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression, according to a study done by researchers at Stanford University. In addition to having mental health benefits, being outdoors opens up your senses to your surroundings and improves your sensory perception. Taking in the sights, smells, and feelings of nature has so many health benefits it can even be prescribed by a doctor.
Running or Walking
Get those legs moving! Running or walking has great health benefits, especially if you do it consistently. The folks at Run Society give 13 reasons why we should run or walk.
Here are the first five benefits:
- Helps you live longer
- Boosts your Vitamin D naturally
- Improves your mood
- Builds self-confidence
- Helps you cope with stress
Nice spring weather also helps keep you motivated to run or walk longer, or more often!
Biking
Time to start pedaling! As the “just like riding a bike” idiom suggests, you can pick it back up even after a long layoff.
Healthline lists 11 benefits of cycling, with the first five found here:
- Weight management
- Leg strength
- It’s good for beginners
- Core workout
- Boosts mental health
If you are interested in fueling that running, walking or cycling routine, check out The RunnerBox and The RiderBox subscription box website. If you subscribe in May, your box will include our Forest Maple granola!
Tasty Recipes
Of course you need food to keep you moving throughout the day! Here are a few spring recipes that we recommend that use different granola flavors as a featured ingredient.
Pasta Shells with Prosciutto and Lemon Crunch Topping
Have a wonderful spring and don’t forget the granola!