This week we'll explore carrot recipes and the salted maple matcha latte I can't get enough of. We'll also delve into the upcoming total lunar eclipse and some tips for making spring break travel healthier.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: CARROTS

Although carrots are generally a fall crop like most root veggies, everyone seems to get all excited about them in the spring. I guess it's because bunnies supposedly eat carrots and bunnies are a symbol of spring? Regardless, this week, we're celebrating this iconic spring ingredient.

If you're a carrot cake lover, I think you'll go crazy over these Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes. They come together quickly in the food processor with no cooking involved, plus they feature a symphony of nourishing whole-food ingredients like carrots, dates, and walnuts. They're also very make-ahead friendly, so they'd be a delightful and easy dessert for a spring brunch or holiday gathering.

Not quite spring where you are yet? Same here. We've been surviving on this Butternut Squash Carrot Ginger Soup at home. This simple one-pot soup is hydrating, loaded with soothing ginger, delightfully creamy thanks to coconut milk, and gets a nice subtle sweetness from the addition of butternut squash. And speaking of pureeing carrots into a creamy texture, this Carrot Hummus is one of my favorite spring appetizers because it's easy and eye-catching.

Did you know that carrots can be a great substitution for starches in certain recipes? If you're craving noodles but want a lighter option, this Carrot Noodle Pad Thai is a really fun way to do a lower-carb version of the takeout classic. Or, what if you ditched the greasy restaurant French fries and made these Air-Fried Carrot Fries instead?

What I'm Loving Right Now: SALTED MAPLE MATCHA

You guys HAVE to try my most recent matcha latte obsession: salted maple. It's a bit sweet, a bit salty, and incredibly satisfying. It's the perfect matcha for March because (at least here in Vermont) we're in maple sugaring season. I fell in love with this combination back in December and have made it almost every single day since.

To make this matcha, I start off by making my matcha shot as usual. I then stir in a generous dash of my parents' homemade maple syrup and a few grinds of flavorful sea salt. Finally, I add unsweetened vanilla soy milk, which I love because of its richness and high protein content. It works great either hot or iced.

My biggest tip for making this simple but beautiful combination: make sure you have really good matcha. Not all matcha is created equal; in fact, there are several different grades. A high-quality matcha is delicate, bright green, subtly floral, and fresh, whereas lower-quality matcha can be bitter, assertively grassy, and off-putting. My go-to is Matcha Nude (use the code ROGUE to get 15% off). And of course make sure to get a high-quality Vermont maple syrup!

Live Colorfully

In the Natural World: MARCH FULL MOON / LUNAR ECLIPSE

Keep your eyes to the sky this week because March's full moon will be putting on a show. The March full moon, typically called the Worm Moon (since earthworms start being active during spring) is technically in the wee hours of the morning (Eastern time) on Friday the 14th. Your best bets to see the full moon rise will be Thursday evening and Friday evening.

This isn't just any full moon though; we'll also get to witness a total lunar eclipse! During a lunar eclipse, the sun, Earth, and moon are all in alignment. With Earth right in the middle, we block the sun's light that would normally be reflecting off the moon. Hence, instead of the moon's usual glow, we'll only be able to see the moon in shadow. It often has a red hue and is sometimes called the Blood Moon.

Want to catch the lunar eclipse in action? It will be visible from all of North America; the best times to see it will be from about 1:00AM-4:45AM Eastern on Friday. I liked this article from the Farmers Almanac, which outlines the different phases of the eclipse and exactly what will be happening when.

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Self-Care Pick: SPRING BREAK TRAVEL TIPS

Since we're now entering the season of spring break travel, I'm guessing that many of you have some March or April trips planned. If you're hitting the road (or the air) for a trip this season, remember that you can still prioritize your health and wellness even if you're away from your usual environment. Here are my top three picks for how to take care of yourself during travel:

1. Set aside time for yourself. Sometimes it can be challenging to draw this boundary, especially if you're with family. Pick a few times when you want to be on your own and vocalize that plan ahead of time so no one is surprised. Then use this time to recharge in whatever way you need; perhaps a walk outside, a time for yoga or meditation, or some quiet reading.
2. Move your body. Between plane flights, long car trips, non-typical meals, and lots of sitting, travel can wreak havoc on your routine. Even just escaping for a short walk can do wonders for the body and mind. Many hotels have gyms, so you might consider making that a priority as you book travel arrangements. Most locally-owned and chain gyms also have a rate for a single day pass. Now that it's spring and the weather is improving (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere), try to get outside for a fun walk, hike, bike ride, or other adventure.
3. Don't leave food to chance. If you aren't proactive, you could end up in a food situation you aren't happy with. Rather than just sitting back and taking whatever opportunities you're given, be intentional about creating a food routine that makes you feel good. Ideas could include offering to cook a nourishing meal rather than going out, checking out restaurant menus ahead of time, opting to have your own normal breakfast and lunch, and packing some of your own snacks rather than being at the mercy of whatever you can find. Don't hesitate to let others know your preferences; you have every right to nourish your body in whatever way feels good and it's okay to self-advocate.

Want more healthy travel tips? Check out my February 16 newsletter to get specific ideas for taking care of yourself during a long car or plane trip. If you're traveling to see family or friends, you might also be interested in my December 22 newsletter that explores drawing boundaries while you're visiting others.

Thanks for joining me for this issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to reply with questions, thoughts, or requests. If you missed a previous issue, you can view all my newsletters here. Have a great week!