This week we'll explore spring strawberry recipes and how to make fudge that's actually healthy. We'll also delve into a fun book series you might not be familiar with and bedtime rituals for better sleep.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: STRAWBERRIES

Even though we're still a ways from strawberry season here in Vermont, many of you who live farther south have local strawberries already (I'm envious!). To get us all in the mood for strawberry season, I wanted to share some of my favorite ways of using this special late-spring fruit.

Although most people think of strawberry shortcakes, pies, muffins, and tarts, these seasonal red berries are also fabulous in savory dishes. Their sweetness can really shine through if they're juxtaposed against savory, salty, or even spicy flavors. Additionally, their beautiful appearance can really elevate a salad. Next time you get your hands on a pint of local spring strawberries, why not try them in a savory recipe instead of the more predictable sweet recipes?

Need some inspiration? This Grilled Corn, Strawberry, and Avocado Salad is a stand-out all season long. If you want to try taking strawberries in a spicy direction, don't forget about this Fruit Salsa Guide; scroll down to example #6, a spicy mango and strawberry salsa that will put you in an instant summer mood.

What I'm Loving Right Now: HEALTHY "FUDGE"

Can I tell you a secret? Fudge doesn't have to be bad for you.

Let's be honest, traditional fudge doesn't have many redeeming qualities. It's basically just butter and sugar. However, get ready to change that. Let's ditch the heavy, sugary, dairy-filled version and instead make "fudge" from plant-based, simple, whole-food ingredients.

I'm excited to introduce you to "freezer fudge", which is a healthy twist on fudge that's made with protein-rich nut butter instead of regular butter. It comes together quickly, sets in the freezer overnight, and gets stored in the freezer (hence the name). This dairy-free fudge alternative is made with just a few simple, whole-food ingredients: cashew butter, coconut oil (to help it have the perfect texture upon freezing), a bit of sweetener, and whatever other flavors you want to add.

Intrigued? Check out this Honey Raspberry Chocolate Chip Freezer Fudge or this Matcha Honey Swirl Freezer Fudge (both can easily be made with maple syrup if you don't eat honey). You can also try Matcha Strawberry Swirl Freezer Fudge, which I shared in the Valentine's Day issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully.

Live Colorfully

A Book Series to Explore: CRAZY RICH ASIANS SERIES

Did you see the movie Crazy Rich Asians? Did you know that it's based on a book? And (here's my new discovery!), did you know it's actually a series?

Yes indeed, there are three books by Kevin Kwan in the series: (1) Crazy Rich Asians, (2) China Rich Girlfriend, and (3) Rich People Problems. They follow the same characters, so you'll definitely want to read them in order (and if you only saw the movie, it's worth reading the book as well). Overall, they explore the theme of how wealth can be both a gift and a curse, and they manage to be both thoughtful and funny.

I also recently read (and shared with you a few weeks ago) Kevin Kwan's newest book, Lies and Weddings. Can you tell I've been in a phase with these lately? That one is separate from the Crazy Rich Asians series, although it deals with some similar themes.

As always, you can browse my list of favorite books if you're looking for more ideas.

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Self-Care Pick: BEDTIME RITUALS

I recently heard some interesting statistics about how terrible American adults are at sleeping. There's overwhelming research showing that we really do need about eight hours of sleep each night, and that poor sleep can impact a myriad of different aspects of our health. In our modern "hustle culture" though, getting quality sleep has become de-prioritized.

Instead of feeling boring, what if you could make an early bedtime feel special and luxurious? Here are a few of my personal favorite strategies for winding down in the evening and cultivating a peaceful nighttime ritual.

• Eat an early dinner then go for a walk afterward (it's hard for the body to make sleep hormones while it's also digesting food)
• Designate a target bedtime and stick to it
• Put phones on Do Not Disturb an hour before bed, then walk away from them for the night
• No electronics in the bedroom
• Take a peaceful hot shower with calming incense (or a candle) like lavender
• Diffuse calming essential oils with a bedside essential oil diffuser​
• Unwind with a good book (instead of TV or social media)
• Turn the lights off at the agreed-upon time so that bedtime doesn't keep creeping backward

I'm curious: are there any before-bed rituals that YOU find to be most helpful? Any habits you follow to facilitate more and better sleep? Let's ditch the productivity pressure and the ever-present technology and actually treat our bodies to what they really need.

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REMINDER: COME TO COSTA RICA WITH ME!

As I announced a couple weeks ago, I'm excited to invite you to a wellness retreat that I'll be leading in Costa Rica this fall (November 12-16). The retreat is all about finding inner peace through connection with nature, moving our bodies, and enjoying colorful plant-based food. We'll be taking sunrise and sunset walks on the beach, paddleboarding, making rainbow salads with local ingredients, participating in a cacao ceremony, and even doing a horseback ride on the beach.

I'd be honored for you to join me on this small-group experience. You can learn more about it here, and of course don't hesitate to reply to this email if you have questions. There's even an "early bird" discount, which is 10% off.

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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!