Get into shape with these spring superfoods

Spring is finally here. Get out of your winter funk and give your diet a boost with these delicious, nutrient-dense additions that will have your whole body humming.

If chosen well, food can reshape not just your figure, but your overall health and well-being too — think improved mood, focus, energy, skin and metabolism.

Beetroot

Great for: Pre-workout

Beetroot is rich in dietary nitrates which work to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to working muscles. Increased blood flow means less fatigue, more endurance and better performance. Try some beetroot juice before your next workout, or add beetroot powder to your pre-workout shake.

Recipe to try: Roasted beetroot soup with soured macadamia cream

Spring garlic

Great for: Weight loss

Spring garlic contains a compound called allicin, which gives it its pungent smell. It has been reported that allicin can help to avoid overeating by stimulating satiety in the brain. Spring garlic has a milder, sweeter taste than the dried white bulbs you buy in summer. Try it crushed over chicken breast with a little olive oil, then oven-cook at 180℃ for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Recipe to try: Spring garlic mash

Asparagus

Great for: Water retention

These spears are a natural diuretic, which means they help to decrease the level of fluid in the body. They also help cleanse the body of excess salts, which is especially beneficial for people who suffer from high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases. Try griddling a bunch with a little coconut oil, then season with cracked black pepper and lemon juice.

Recipe to try: Asparagus, peas and zucchini with fresh mint

Grapefruit 

Great for: Boosting your metabolism

Grapefruit always makes the list of top metabolism-boosting foods. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal, without making any other dietary changes, lost an average of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms) over 12 weeks. While it sadly doesn't hold any magical fat-burning properties, it's low in calories and offers plenty of fibre to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Create a tropical salad by combining grapefruit segments, cooked prawns and cubed avocado on a bed of romaine lettuce.

Recipe to try: Mango, strawberry and grapefruit chiller

Acai berries

Great for: Digestive health

These tasty berries are a great addition to your spring diet.  Among other awesome properties, the Acai berry is known to keep the digestive system clean and in optimal function by providing an excellent dose of fibre. You can buy the freeze-dried powder from health food stores, so try sprinkling it over your morning muesli, or by making this antioxidant smoothie.

Oranges

Great for: Stress relief

While we all know vitamin C is great for immune defence, it also works to lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Not only that, just the aroma of sweet orange oil has been found to reduce stress. A quick smell when cutting the fruit can be just enough to calm your mood!

Recipe to try: Blood oranges with frozen sheep's milk yoghurt

Bananas

Great for: Post-workout

After an intense workout, your potassium reserves are sapped. Bananas are a good source of potassium to replenish your muscles and avoid any painful cramping. Try them mashed into oats with a scoop of vanilla protein for an awesome post-workout snack.

Recipe to try: Banana smoothie

Rhubarb

Great for: A healthy immune system

Rhubarb is a fantastic source of vitamin C to help boost the immune system. Spring tends to be a time when our immune systems are suppressed, so give it a little boost with this awesome vegetable.

Recipe to try: Rhubarb and ginger crumble.