Wednesday

Sponsored By:

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

-Hippocrates

Welcome to Wednesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• A guide to spring produce

• Why you should incorporate more rosewater into your food

• Too tired to cook? This changed our routine

• Easy spring vegan poke bowls

Seasonal Flavors to Brighten Your Spring Meals

Spring brings with it a refreshing burst of flavor, offering a wide variety of fruits and vegetables at their peak. Think tender asparagus, sweet strawberries, and crunchy radishes—all perfect for adding a seasonal touch to your meals. These springtime favorites are not only delicious but packed with nutrients to give you that springtime boost.

Among the standout veggies is asparagus, which pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and can be roasted or served raw in a salad. For a more hearty addition, try artichokes. Their tender hearts make for an elegant dish that can elevate any meal, from soups to salads.

Fruits also take center stage, with rhubarb and strawberries offering a tangy-sweet balance that's perfect in pies or jams. Meanwhile, peas and fava beans bring a crisp bite, ideal for tossing into your favorite spring salads or pasta.

By embracing the vibrant flavors of spring produce, you’ll find new favorites that not only taste great but also highlight the season’s natural beauty.

Add Rose Water to Your Routine This Spring

Rose water is having a moment this spring, popping up everywhere from lattes to baked goods. While its delicate floral flavor and soothing aroma are being embraced by trendy cafés and foodies alike, this ancient ingredient has been revered for centuries in many cultures for its purported health benefits. But is it just a passing fad or something worth adding to your self-care routine?

Historically, rose water has been used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and remedies. It’s known for its potential to soothe headaches, reduce stress, and improve mood. Anecdotal evidence suggests that simply inhaling rose’s sweet fragrance can have a calming effect. Some studies even hint at rose water's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though more research is needed to confirm its benefits.

For those looking to try rose water, it’s surprisingly easy to incorporate into your kitchen. A few drops are all it takes to elevate fruit salads, smoothies, or even pancakes. The subtle floral note pairs beautifully with creamy, fruity, or nutty dishes. Just be sure to use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming your taste buds.

While the science is still catching up, adding a touch of rose water to your self-care routine could be a simple, pleasant way to tap into the relaxing, mood-boosting benefits of this blooming trend.

Too Tired to Cook? Change Your Routine

We’ve all been there. You get home from a long day of work, and the last thing you want to do is meal plan. Many of us have the goal to eat healthier, but the truth is that meal planning, shopping, and cooking can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: Eating enough fruits and veggies is essential for greater longevity, a stronger immune system, improved heart health, and more.

Luckily, Purple Carrot is here to get what you love on your plate with zero effort—dishing up plants any way that works for you. As the only 100% plant-based meal delivery service in the U.S., they offer Meal Kits, Ready to Eat meals & sides, and a curated selection of Grocery items.

Shop for exactly what you want each week from Purple Carrot’s chef-crafted, dietitian-approved menus. They even deliver straight to your door, so you can focus on the good part: eating damn good food.

Ready to see how effortless healthy eating can be? Click here to get 50% off + free shipping—a great deal available for a limited time only!

Thank you to Purple Carrot for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Celebrate Spring with This Vibrant Vegan Poke Bowl

Ingredients:

• For the base:

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

• For the toppings:

  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 avocado, sliced

  • 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup asparagus, blanched or roasted

  • 1/2 cup edamame (fresh or frozen)

  • 1/4 cup snap peas (optional)

• For the dressing:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice (optional)

• For garnish:

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base: Cook the brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the toppings: Thinly slice the cucumber, avocado, and radishes. Blanch or roast the asparagus (roasting is optional for extra flavor), and cook the edamame and snap peas (if using) according to package instructions.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and lime juice (if using) until combined.

4. Assemble the bowl: In a large bowl, start with the rice or quinoa as the base. Arrange the cucumber, avocado, radishes, asparagus, edamame, and snap peas (if using) on top in sections for a colorful, visually appealing dish.

5. Drizzle with dressing: Pour the dressing over the toppings and base. Toss gently to combine or leave the dressing on top for a layered effect.

6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the top before serving. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant spring vegan poke bowl!

This simple, seasonal recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is easily customizable to your taste. Enjoy the bright flavors of spring!

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False? True! Carrots used to be purple, yellow, or white before orange became the most common variety.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Food is more than just fuel—it’s comfort, culture, and connection. Whether you’re savoring a home-cooked meal, indulging in your favorite food, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, take a moment to appreciate the flavors, the memories, and the little joys that come with every bite. Nourish yourself, body and soul.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!