Is it spring yet? Winter sure is dragging on, but that’s nothing new for Minnesota. As we adjust to Daylight Savings Time and yearn for blue skies, sunlight, and warmer weather, it’s a good time to strengthen our resolve and start preparing for those exciting spring days.

Here are some food-related things that may be helpful in those last few long weeks of winter:

1.) Salads
Forego the heavy fare of winter by saying goodbye to stews and roasts and hello to leafy greens. I make kale salad on a regular basis and pair it with a protein, like grilled chicken breast, baked tofu, or nuts.

2.) Smoothies
It’s easy to get a taste of the tropics by adding frozen fruit such as mango and pineapple to a smoothie. Combine the ingredients below in a blender for a blast of nutrition. This will make two servings.

(credit: Crystal Grobe)

Tropical Green Smoothie
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup rice milk
1 large frozen banana
1 cup frozen mango chunks
½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
4 cups fresh baby spinach
Splash of water if needed

3.) Citrus
Make use of winter citrus and add slices of grapefruit, lemon, and orange to water for a sliver of sunshine. Use sparkling water for a little more pizzazz.

These three things won’t magically make it warmer or turn winter into spring, but they do offer a nutritious getaway for the body and the mind.