Spring is here. Is your appetite changing too?

Why warmer days can change what we feel like eating, and what your body needs as we head into a new season.

Spring is here.

The mornings are lighter. The afternoons are stretching out. That warmer days make you want to step outside, move a little more and maybe swap heavier winter meals for something lighter and brighter.

And if you’ve suddenly found yourself craving more greens, crunch, colour and freshness, you’re not alone.

There’s something about the change of season that can change what feels good to eat.

So, why do our bodies crave different foods as the seasons shift? The answer is more interesting than a Spring detox.

Temperature influences our appetite

When it’s cold, warm, hearty food feels comforting. As the temperature rises, lighter meals, fresh flavours and water rich foods become naturally more appealing.

Our routines change too.

Longer days can mean more time outside, more movement, later afternoons and a little more socialising. Suddenly a big, warming lunch that felt perfect in July might not be what you’re reaching for in September.

The important bit? Lighter doesn't have to mean less nourishing.

In fact, Spring is a great opportunity to think less about what you should take away and more about what you can add.

More plants. More variety.

If there’s one Spring eating habit worth getting behind, it’s this.

Eat more plants, and more different kinds of them.

Vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds naturally bring fibre and a range of nutrients to your plate. Eating a greater variety also gives your gut microbiome a more diverse mix of plant foods to work with.

It can be as simple as adding some extra vegetables, fibre rich beans, a satiating grain, fresh herbs and a sprinkle of nuts and seeds to your plate.

The IKU pick: Charred Zucchini, Artichoke & Zaatar brings together zucchini, artichokes, quinoa, lima beans, roasted capsicum, herbs, walnuts and tahini. A warm salad to nourish you through the warmer months.

Lighter doesn't have to mean hungry

Wanting fresher food when it's warmer doesn't mean lunch needs to become a bowl of leaves.

Keeping protein and fibre on the plate helps turn something light and fresh into something that will nourish and satiate you, while also supporting your digestion.

The IKU pick: Sweet Heat Nasi Goreng with Crispy Tofu brings together fragrant rice, crispy tofu, edamame and plenty of vegetables, with chilli jam for a little sweet heat. With 28.5g protein and 9.2g fibre, it's a great example of a meal that feels vibrant and full of flavour while still bringing plenty of substance.

Bring back the colour

If winter has been a little beige, consider this your sign.

One of the simplest ways to encourage more variety in your diet is to look at your plate.

Greens. Beetroot. Pumpkin. Eggplant. Capsicum. Peas. Herbs. Tomatoes.

Different plant foods bring different nutrients to the table, so rather than obsessing over individual superfoods, think about variety across the week.

The IKU pick: Ruby Beet & Coconut Curry. Beetroot, peas, tofu, brown rice and sunflower and pumpkin seeds make this one particularly colourful, while delivering 28.6g protein too.

Hydration starts to matter a little more

Then comes that first genuinely hot day when you realise you've somehow survived on two coffees and half a glass of water.

As the temperature rises and we sweat more, keeping on top of fluids becomes increasingly important.

Water is the obvious hero, but foods contribute too. Fruit and vegetables naturally contain water, which gives us another reason to fill more of the plate with plants as the weather warms.

Your gut likes variety too

Gut health has become an entire wellness category, but some of the most useful advice is also the least glamorous.

Eat plenty of fibre. And eat a variety of plants.

You don't need every meal to be nutritionally perfect. What matters more is the pattern over time.

Spring can be a nice moment to check in with yourself.

What are you craving?

What makes you feel good after you eat it?

Could your plate use a little more colour? More plants? More fibre? Enough protein? Another glass of water?

And enjoy that very good feeling that winter is finally behind us!

Welcome to Spring.

Explore the Spring Menu →

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