Celeriac. It's not going to win any beauty contests, but don't let its appearance fool you. Also known as celery root, celeriac is coming into season now and can be used both raw or cooked.

Try mashing boiled celeriac and adding it to casseroles; it's a nutritious and low-calorie way to extend some of your favorite comfort foods. You can also enjoy mashed celeriac in lieu of or mixed in with mashed potatoes -- the flavor is light and pleasant. Or, opt for raw preparations; celeriac is great in cole slaw. You can also slice or cube celeriac for stews and soups, and roasted celeriac makes a great side dish.

Check out this slideshow for some more of spring's nutritional superstars.

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My friends in the southern states are already picking strawberries, and I'm jealous. But in a few more weeks, we northerners will have our own share of spring's sweetest crop.

Strawberries are luscious and juicy enough to be dessert, but unlike shortcake, they love you back. They're rich in vitamin C, manganese and folate, and they pack a powerful punch of antioxidants too. Low in calories but naturally sweet, they're an obvious choice for curbing that sugar craving.

Strawberries are highly perishable, so for best quality, search for them locally. Hit your neighborhood farmer's market or tap your inner-farmer and visit a pick-your-own farm. Because strawberries are on the "dirty dozen" list of most pesticide contaminated produce, it's also smart to choose organic when possible.

Once you've gotten your strawberries home, enjoy them right away, because they go bad quickly:

• Chop fruit (including strawberries) on Sunday night, and enjoy a fruit salad all week long.
• Toss them with lettuce for a sweet salad.
• Add them to smoothies and shakes.
• Throw a handful on your cereal or mix them into your yogurt.

At just 36 calories in 10 strawberries, finding new ways to enjoy spring's sweetest fruit is both fun and healthy!

I don't know about you, but spring always inspires me to get outside and run. But, as you renew your weekly running goals, it might be time to renew something else -- your shoes.

There's no definite answer as to how often you need to replace your running shoes -- it will vary depending on how often you run, the distances you run and the shoes themselves. However, most experts agree that you should start paying attention by 300 miles, and by 500 or 600 miles, you almost definitely should replace them. You might think they're fine, but you know those new aches you're feeling in your knees, hips and back? Those are all signs that it's time for a new pair.

So what should you get? Well, "Runner's World" has come out with their Spring 2009 Shoe Guide, and it's a great place to start shopping. First, they explain how to determine the right type of shoe for you. For example, your weight has some bearing on whether your shoes should have more cushion or more stability. Arch type and pronation will also make a difference, and while there are ways to figure this out at home, I've had good luck going to runners' specialty stores for advice.

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Gyms are open all year and there's never a weather-related excuse that will keep you from workout DVDs, but there's just something motivating about being outdoors. I know spring fever has hit me hard and I'm enjoying being outside more (although I could do without all the raking, thank you very much). Recently, I wondered how the warmer weather affects your workout. Here's what you had to say:

• 59 percent of you are more active when you can be outdoors. It's important to be active during those bitter, cold months, but it's understandable why the warm weather inspires more activity. You can be outside running, walking, biking and participating in team sports, like softball or volleyball. Enjoy the warmer weather, but be sure to have a fitness plan next year when the snow starts to fly again.
  
• 28 percent of you are active all year long, but enjoy different activities in warmer weather. Changing your activity from season to season is a great idea; it keeps things interesting and throws your muscles a curve ball. Want some ideas? Check out these great warm-weather workouts on AOL Health.
• 10 percent of you can be found in the gym whether it's warm or cold. Well, there's certainly something to be said for consistency. But get outside and enjoy some of the nice weather, too!

Spring is just around the corner. I don't know what the weather is like where you live, but outside my window, the snow is finally starting to melt, and the birds are starting to fly back to their summer homes. When this time of year arrives, I always get a bit of spring fever. It feels so great to be outside and not bundled up under layers and layers of winter clothing.

While I get about the same amount of dedicated exercise in warm weather as I do in the winter, I get a lot more joy out of warm weather workouts. Fitness DVDs are a great standby during the snowy season, but there's something invigorating about being outside when exercising. So, while enjoying my walk around the neighborhood, it made me wonder if your fitness habits change with the warm weather.


Now that the weather is getting warmer, what is your favorite outdoor activity?

Where I live, it doesn't matter whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or jumps out of his hole and does the Electric Slide ... winter lasts until April either way.

But if you believe the groundhog (who did indeed see his shadow today), the cold weather is going to stick around another six weeks. If you're waiting for spring to take your workout back outside ... well ... it looks like you're going to have to wait a little longer.

Feeling like you're stuck in your own personal Groundhog Day version of fitness hell? Doing the same workout day after day is not only boring, it doesn't really challenge your body either. Check out the gallery below for tips on spicing up those indoor winter workouts, banning boredom for good and getting your body ready for the big spring reveal.

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As fabulous as we at That's Fit think this blog is, the truth is there are hundreds of wonderful blogs on healthy living to be seen all over the blogosphere. So in this feature, Fit Links, we'll introduce you to some that have caught our eye.

According to Crabby at Cranky Fitness, you may have a condition known as Bike in the Basement disorder if:

• you are still able to ride a bike,
• you have access to a bike,
• you live in a bike-friendly neighborhood,
• AND
• you still never ride your bike.
  
  

We can't have that, now can we? Especially not since spring has finally arrived and it's the perfect time of the year to get back out on two wheels. So if you're looking for a little motivation, check out these posts about getting back on your bike. You'll be so glad you did.

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I didn't even realize I was tired, but this warm, sunny weather has given me such a jolt of energy, I can see now that I was really dragging those last few weeks of winter. In our busy lives, energy can be a limited resource. Between jobs, families, obligations and stress, poor eating and exercise habits, and not enough sleep, it's easy to find yourself run down before your day has run out.

CNN has 10 fresh, new, and interesting ways to boost your energy. If you're finding yourself falling into that 3 P.M. slump or just wish that you had more get-up-and-go, these are some simple tips to try. They include:

• Expose yourself to more natural light sources to reset your natural circadian rhythms.
• Eat more protein.
• Do a good deed.
• Try white tea.
• Try acupuncture or Reiki.
• Turn off your technology.
• Focus on cleaning up your sleep habits.
  
  

Want to learn more? Check out the gallery below for some energy-boosting snack ideas.

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Last night, I spent an hour or so with the faces of college football. Now, of course these faces are no longer "in" college. But! They're the ones we turn to week after week to get the scoop on our favorite teams, athletes, and upsets. ESPN College GameDay. is coevering the Orange and Blue game, which is the University of Florida Gator Spring Scrimmage. I know...it's just a scrimmage! But...it is a big deal. A very big deal to the fans, and one of the great symbols that fall football is almost back again. Since I spend a lot of time near the University of Florida, I paid them a visit for some Celebrity Fitzness Report interviews.

When I arrived, sports analyst Kirk Herbstreit and side-line reporter Erin Andrews were working out, running up and down the bleachers in the Swamp (the Gator Stadium). Maybe they knew a fitness trainer would be popping in to check on them, but probably not. They were just wisely using their short break time to squeeze in a great workout. I was kind of sad not to have been in workout clothes myself though. It would have been fun to interview them on the go! Maybe next time they're in town we'll do that.

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Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

This week I went back to talk with one of my favorite past guests, Mr. Colin Egglesfield. (To view Colin's in-depth interview click here.) Spring is here, summer is coming and this All My Children star has the most perfectly fit body one could wish for. We all want to know how celebrities earn their great bodies, and Colin was sweet enough to share his tips for preparing for swimsuit season. These tips are exactly as our favorite Calvin Klein underwear model gave them to me. So play close attention, follow his advice, and prepare to strut your stuff this summer!

• Run! You can do all the weight training in the world, but nothing burns off that winter weight better than a good 30-45 run at least three times a week. I like to start out doing about 30min and then gradually work up to an hour over the course of a few weeks as I start to get my stamina back. I love to run outside by myself with my headphones and some great music on my iPod and just go! It's my time to be alone with my thoughts, and anything that might be on my mind always seems to be a lot clearer after a good run.

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Every season brings with it new trends and styles, and changing up your wardrobe is a great way to welcome in the new season. However, one thing I find myself telling people again and again is that no matter how hot a trend is, if it doesn't work for you, don't spend your money on it.

And so, I'm here to walk you through some of this season's trends but also tell you how women of different shapes and sizes might want to incorporate those into their wardrobes.

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I did a ton of yard work last weekend. Layed out a lasagna-style garden plot, mowed the grass, planted some pansies and cleaned off the patio furniture so I could relax and admire my handy work.

My back hurt, but my head felt great. The mental benefits of being outside and getting your body moving have always been crucial for me. Winter is tough for that reason. Combating stress during colder months means hot tea, hot baths and exercise in a gym. And the affect wears thin after a while. So, for me, spring's arrival doesn't just mean warmer temperatures feeling good on my skin and enjoying the sight and smell of flowers.

The vitamin D and work in the yard make for huge stress relievers. If you haven't tried it, get out and garden. It may work for you too. Just keep the muscle rub and ibuprofen handy.

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Spring is here! Spring is here! If you live in the north, then you know what a wicked winter this has been. Snow is awesome, I'm not complaining, but to be able to walk outside without several layers of clothing and outerwear on feels like freedom to me.

If the weather is improving in your area, then it's time to take your workout outside (if that's what you like to do). Keep in mind, though, that outdoor workouts are more difficult that those that happen on a treadmill or elliptical trainer. Watch for icy patches and broken sidewalks, and take your time on hills and rugged terrain until your body adjusts to your spring workout schedule.

Speaking of spring workouts, FitList has one for you to try -- check it out!

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My son played basketball this winter, but there was a month or so lag time before baseball tryouts. Practices are starting next week and we're both looking forward to it. He really enjoys organized sports. But family-based activities are important too. Spring is a great time to shed those winter blues and get the whole family outside and moving. Try these ideas:

• Visit a nearby pitch and kick a soccer ball around
• Play a game of catch in the backyard
• Teach your kids jump rope songs or try out some fancy double-dutch footwork
• Go for a family walk after dinner
• Ride bikes along a rail trail
• Hike on a wooded path
• Go to the beach and explore, play a game of Frisbee, or swim (if weather permits)
• Shoot a game of HORSE or Around the World at a nearby basketball hoop
• Visit the park and play on the equipment with your kids.

Being active as a family sets a wonderful example of physical activity for your kids. It also creates more quality time with your family -- developing stronger bodies while developing a stronger bond.

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