As soon as spring arrives, many people feel weighed down from the morning and find that their fatigue doesn’t go away even after getting enough sleep. In fact, in early spring, basal metabolic rate increases, which raises the body’s consumption of vitamins and minerals. If nutritional replenishment is insufficient during this process, symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, and decreased concentration can appear.
April, in particular, is when seafood enters its spawning season and becomes richest in nutrients. It is abundant in nutrients involved in energy metabolism—such as protein, taurine, and iron—so it can help with fatigue recovery and overall condition.
Webfoot octopus…Rich in taurine, reduces fatigue and restores energy
Webfoot octopus has a high taurine content, which supports liver function and contributes to smoother energy metabolism. Taurine is involved in reducing the buildup of fatigue-related substances, making it helpful during times when you tire easily. It is also a low-fat, high-protein food, allowing you to replenish protein without feeling heavy—well suited to spring, when activity levels tend to increase. If you blanch it or stir-fry it briefly, you can enjoy a clean, mild flavor while minimizing nutrient loss.
Flounder…A white-fleshed fish that’s easy to digest, ideal for recovery diets
Flounder is a white-fleshed fish that is low in fat and high in protein, making it a good way to replenish nutrients without burdening the stomach. It is known as an ingredient often used when physical recovery is needed thanks to its favorable amino acid profile. Another advantage is that it can be eaten relatively comfortably even when your appetite drops in spring or your stomach feels unsettled. Preparing it as a clear soup, or as a soup with mugwort added, can help replenish both fluids and nutrients.
Manila clams…Iron & vitamin B12 help improve sluggishness
Manila clams are rich in iron and vitamin B12, which play important roles in oxygen transport and energy production. When iron is lacking, you may become fatigued easily, and Manila clams can help make up for that. Vitamin B12 also supports energy metabolism, helping maintain overall vitality. Cooking them in soup or steaming them improves absorption and is also gentle on digestion.
Sea squirt…Wakes up your appetite and quickly replenishes energy
Sea squirt is seafood known for its distinctive aroma that can help bring back a diminished appetite. In particular, it is rich in glycogen, an energy source the body can use quickly, which may help relieve accumulated fatigue and restore vitality. It is best consumed as fresh as possible.
