Lighten Up this Spring!     As the weather gets warmer, more local vegetables become available and as you spend more time outside, you will likely crave lighter, colder, more refreshing meals. Instead of the soups, stews and grains that warmed you in the winter, opt for more green leafy vegetables, salads, smoothies, raw soups and juices. This not only results in simpler meals to prepare but will help you feel lighter, rejuvenated and more energized! Here are 5 key ways to lighten up your meals this spring: Start adding more salads to your diet. For lunch or dinner, grab a big bowl and fill it up with fresh local greens. Salads help eliminate toxins, increase energy and provide a balance to your body. Drink your dinner. This isn't ideal all the time. But on nights when you don't feel like eating a heavy dinner, try making a blended cold soup (see the deliciously refreshing recipe below). Change the ratios on your plate. This is the easiest way to lighten up while sparing your body extra calories. For example, instead of taking an extra serving of grain, add more veggies, either steamed or fresh. Use vegetables in place of grains. In the spring, it's fun finding veggie alternatives to whole grains. For example, grind up cauliflower instead of rice or use kelp and Zucchini noodles for basic dishes or pasta recipes. Make juice. This is the easiest way to start lightening up in the spring. A tall glass of vegetable juice is an easy way to load up on nutrients instead of calories. Green Avocado Cucumber Soup Ingredients 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped 2 large ripe avocados ½ cup spinach or kale 2 green onions, roughly chopped 2 apples (crisp and tart apples like granny smith) 2 1/2 cups coconut milk or coconut water 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Parsley for garnish Optional additions: garlic, ginger, cayenne, dill How it's made: In a blender, process all ingredients until smooth. Chill until ready to serve and garnish with fresh herbs. This recipe is sourced from Fully Nourished by Marni Wasserman.