Best Produce For April PLUS Recipes

Donna Nichols • March 29, 2021

Best Produce for April and Yummy Recipes

You may wonder what produce is in season for the month of April, well here is a list of them for you.

Asparagus, avocado, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, citrus fruits, greens, leeks, mushrooms, peas, radishes, and sweet potatoes.

I’m going to highlight two underrated yet very beneficial vegetables we should all be eating more of, sweet potatoes and beets !!!

But before I do, be sure to check out our post on the best diet to help you live a longer and healthier life. It has some wonderful information about other foods that are beneficial to you too. 

Let’s start off with a sweet potato recipe:

Did you know that sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals? They are rich in antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals and the fiber and antioxidants in sweet potatoes are helpful to your gut health. Sweet potatoes contain two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.

Your body cannot digest either type, which means the fiber stays within your digestive tract and provides a variety of gut-related health benefits. Sweet potatoes offer various antioxidants, which may help protect against certain types of cancers.

Vanilla Bean Sweet Potato Waffles
Ingredients

Ingredients

2 small sweet potatoes, roasted and cooled
1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/4 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. To roast the potatoes, place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Wrap whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes in foil, place on a rimmed baking sheet and allow to bake until a fork inserted in the potato meets no resistance. Depending on the size of your potatoes, this could take 30 minutes or so. Remove from the oven and allow to rest until cool enough to handle. Peel the potatoes, discard the peel, and mash well with a fork. Measure 1 cup of potatoes for the waffles.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.

3. In another medium bowl combine brown sugar and vanilla beans. Use your fingers to rub the two together, infusing the brown sugar with vanilla. If you’re using vanilla extract, add vanilla to the eggs and sugar after they’re beaten together.

4. Whisk in the eggs until well combined. (Add the vanilla extract here, if using.) Whisk in the melted butter, maple syrup, and buttermilk. Stir to combine.

5. Add the wet ingredients all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir well to combine thoroughly. Allow it to rest while the waffle iron heats.

6. Spray waffle iron if it isn’t already nonstick. Add waffle batter and cook according to your specific waffle iron.

7. Serve warm with pure maple syrup. These waffles also freeze very well once baked.

Now, let’s take a look at beets. Beets are packed with essential nutrients, beetroots are a great source of fiber, vitamin B9, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beetroots and its juice have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance. Here’s an easy beet recipe that sounds absolutely DELISH!!!!

Berry-Beet Salad

Ingredients
recipe for beet salad

1 each fresh red and golden beets
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 teaspoon honey
Dash salt
Dash pepper
1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup fresh blackberries
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted
1 shallot, thinly sliced
4 cups torn mixed salad greens
1 ounce fresh goat cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Place beets in an 8-in. square baking dish; add 1 in. of water. Cover and bake at 400° for 30-40 minutes or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, oil, honey, salt and pepper; set aside. Cool beets; peel and cut into thin slices.

3. In a large bowl, combine the beets, berries, walnuts and shallot. Pour dressing over the beet mixture and toss gently to coat. Divide salad greens among 4 serving plates. Top with beet mixture; sprinkle with cheese and basil.

Seasonal produce for the month of April brings something for everyone, find something you love and go get it. If you have a favorite place that has the BEST produce around, drop me a line at almsnsb@gmail.com and let me know where! I’m always on the lookout for new places to shop. Happy spring, happy shopping, and happy April!!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.
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Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
February may not bring snow to Florida, but it still carries its own kind of winter — cooler mornings, shorter days, and a natural pull toward staying indoors. For older adults, this season is a gentle reminder to slow down, stay steady, and take good care of body and spirit. A Season for Paying Attention Winter has a way of making us less aware of our bodies. We move a little slower. We drink less water. We stay inside longer. These small shifts can affect balance, energy, and overall well‑being. The good news is that a few simple habits can make February feel safer, brighter, and more comfortable. Keep Your Space Safe and Well‑Lit Falls often happen not because of weakness, but because of poor lighting or clutter. A few small adjustments can make a big difference. • Turn on the lights before walking into a room • Keep pathways clear of shoes, bags, or small rugs • Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms • Make sure frequently used items are within easy reach A safe home is a confident home. Supportive Shoes — Even Indoors Many seniors prefer slippers or socks inside, but these can be slippery or unstable. Supportive shoes with a good grip help prevent falls and maintain strong posture. Think of them as your indoor “winter boots” — steady, comfortable, and protective. Hydration Matters, Even When It’s Cool When the weather isn’t hot, it’s easy to forget to drink water. But hydration affects everything: energy, digestion, mood, and even balance. Try keeping a glass of water near your favorite chair or sipping warm herbal tea throughout the day. Your body will feel the difference. Stay Organized with Medications Winter is a good time to check in with your medication routine. • Are your pill organizers easy to open • Do you have refills ready • Are your medications stored in a visible, convenient place A little organization prevents missed doses and reduces stress. Connection Keeps the Cold Away Even in sunny Florida, winter can feel isolating. Shorter days and quieter routines can make anyone feel a bit lonely. Reach out to someone this month — a friend, a neighbor, a family member. A five‑minute conversation can warm the whole day. If you’re part of a senior community or church group, February is a wonderful time to join an activity, attend a luncheon, or simply sit with others. Human connection is one of the best wellness tools we have. Gentle Movement Keeps You Strong You don’t need a gym or a long walk to stay active. Try: • Light stretching in the morning • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • A slow walk around the house or yard • Simple balance exercises while holding onto a counter Movement keeps joints flexible, muscles strong, and spirits lifted. A Month for Self‑Kindness February invites us to be gentle with ourselves. To rest when we need to. To move when we can. To reach out when we feel alone. To take small steps that help us feel safe, steady, and cared for. Winter won’t last forever — but the habits you build now can support you all year long.