This week we'll explore pineapples and how to incorporate seaweed into your diet. We'll also delve into why turtles are on the move right now and some healthy snack options for summer adventures.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight

As we enter into summer, I'm beyond excited to celebrate a superstar tropical ingredient: pineapples! These sweet, juicy, beautiful fruits are a summer delight that can be used in many different ways.

It may surprise you to learn that I actually enjoy pineapple most in savory dishes. The sweetness contrasts perfectly with savory flavors and especially with a bit of heat. If you're excited to try pineapple in a savory way, check out the brand new Vegan Pineapple Poke Bowl recipe on my blog. In this highly non-traditional plant-based take on poke, savory marinated pineapple takes the place of the usual raw fish.

If salsa is more your speed, pineapple is a fabulous salsa ingredient alongside grilled red onions, jalapenos, and fresh herbs. There are loads of ideas in my fruit salsa guide for you to explore. Fruit salsa is a total winner if you're hosting a summer party, BBQ, or picnic. As an added bonus, it's make-ahead friendly.

What I'm Loving Right Now

Working on the new poke bowl recipe (above) reminded me of how much I enjoy seaweed. This powerhouse sea vegetable is highly nutritious and is an especially great source of iodine, an important nutrient that helps your thyroid to function properly. Seaweed also contains antioxidants, prebiotics, and an impressive list of vitamins and minerals, so there are many reasons to consider adding it to your diet.

One of the easiest seaweed varieties to use is nori. Although sushi is the most well-known way to use nori, it certainly doesn't need to be the only way of enjoying this tasty and beneficial sea veggie. Here are a few ways we've been eating nori recently:

• Add it to a bowl. Use it in the Vegan Pineapple Poke Bowl (pictured above) or other bowl-style means inspired by poke or sushi.
• Add it to a salad. Cut it finely and toss it with romaine; the romaine has a crisp texture that helps to carry the softer nori along. It works best if you toss the nori ribbons into the romaine just before serving and then enjoy the salad immediately.
• Snack on it. Have you seen seaweed snacks before? The Asian section of artisan grocery stores is a good place to look. There are lots of different brands and flavors (e.g. teriyaki, sea salt, sesame, etc) that really hit the spot if you're craving something salty.
• Use it as a topping. Chop up some flavored seaweed snacks and use it to top bowls, salads, or anything else you want to add a crunchy/salty pop of flavor to.

Live Colorfully

In the Natural World

Over the past week or two, we've been seeing huge prehistoric monsters with spiky tails. No, I'm not delusional; I'm talking about snapping turtles!

Snapping turtles, or "snappers", are a species of freshwater turtle that inhabit lakes, ponds, and marshes throughout the eastern two-thirds of the US. They can get huge (up to two feet in length) and can live for a very long time (possibly more than 100 years). With their spiked tail, impressive claws, and beak-like nose, they look like something right out of the dinosaur era (which is exactly what they are).

Yes, they definitely do "snap". Their head is highly mobile, such that they can even reach the back of their shell with their strong, sharp beak. They are not a turtle for touching!

Right now, the female snappers are on the move since they're laying their eggs. We've seen a few very impressively large mamas meandering their way out of the marsh, across the gravel trail, and into the woods beyond to find suitable nesting sites. Interestingly, the eggs they're laying now will take as long as four or five months to incubate, so they won't hatch until late fall. The hatchlings will actually over-winter in the nest and won't emerge until next spring.

Self-Care Pick

As summer approaches and many of us will be traveling, adventuring, playing outside, and otherwise on the move, I wanted to dedicate some time to chatting about healthy snacks.

Generally speaking, I'm a fan of snacks that are high in protein, have some healthy fats, and are small in size. I also love snacks with some texture, e.g. chewy or crunchy, since I find them more satisfying. Homemade snacks are less expensive, waste less packaging, and are generally much healthier since you can be in full control of the ingredients. Some of my favorite go-to portable homemade snacks are homemade Larabars, these whole food monster cookies, and these chickpea flour + tahini protein muffins. If you'll be out in warm weather, ditch the chocolate so you don't make a melty mess.

However, it's not always realistic to make your own snacks, especially if you're traveling. That's why I've also put together a healthy snack list that includes my store-bought favorites. You'll see some protein snacks (e.g., my favorite date and nut bars) and also some healthier options for salty snacks.

Where will your adventures take you this summer? Whether you'll be traveling the world or just adventuring in your own back yard, don't leave food to chance; bring some healthy snacks so make sure you're well-nourished and happy.

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!