Spring is near and I am excited for longer days, warmer weather and more sunshine. It’s time to get a spring clean. We all know the importance of Marie Kondo-ingOur wardrobes reorganizingWhat do we know about cleaning up our eating habits? I don’t mean “Clean eating” and restricting yourself from foods you enjoy. Instead, consider this a time for you to let go of unhealthy eating habits.
“Healthy” is a relative term that means something different to everyone, so choosing dietary preferences that fit your lifestyle will look different from mine or even your best friend’s. When it comes to making changes in your diet, it’s important to remember that you know your body best. What better time to make changes in your diet? Lifestyle changes that promote a healthy lifestyleIs there a better time than at the beginning of a new season to get back on track? If your diet has been off track since the holidays, there’s no need to feel bad. Continue reading to learn how you can spring clean your diet for the new season.
Give up on foods that no longer serve you
Spring cleaning your diet involves letting go foods that no longer serve you, much like you would let go of old clothes. This includes expired food, freezer-burnt items, half-used condiments that are old, and any other foods that you won’t use (looking at you, tahini). If it’s expired, throw it out and take a mental note to not purchase that food again so you’re not wasting food. If it’s not expired but you know you won’t use it, consider donating to a local food bank.
Once you have cleared out everything, it is time to restock strategically. Keeping your favorite whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and nuts on hand makes it more likely that you’ll create meals packed with fiber, micronutrients, protein, and healthy fats. And it’s a surefire way to make reaching for non-nutritive options much less tempting. I’d call that a win-win. And while we are on this subject, if there are certain foods you don’t like, don’t buy them! It’s easy to feel like you don’t deserve it. Have to stock up on items from the latest wellness trend, but it’s no good having wilted kale in the back of the fridge if you’re never going to eat it.
Choose in-season produce
Maybe it’s because I romanticize almost everything in life, but one of my favorite things is picking out produce each week. It’s no surprise that I get excited about spring produce. There are many benefits to eating in-season produce. benefits, not to mention it’s often cheaper. Look out for green beans, honeydew and broccoli this spring. Few. When shopping for in-season produce, try to make a list of fruits and vegetables you haven’t had as a way to help keep your diet from feeling monotonous. Remember that you can still reap nutritional advantages regardless of whether the produce is fresh or frozen.
Consider what you could add
What you can do to create balanced meals is what it all boils down to AddDon’t subtract from your plate. Instead of trying to eliminate less nutritious options (which can lead to feeling deprived), think about ways you can add color and fiber to your plate. This could be as simple as adding vegetables to stir-fries or casseroles, and putting nuts and seeds on yogurt and oatmeal. Antioxidants are the key to produce’s color. fighting inflammation. So the more colorful your plate, the more phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins you’ll consume.
Cook at home often
It’s been a long day of work and curling up on the couch to catch up on Euphoria with a meal you didn’t have to make yourself sounds oh-so-appealing, right? It’s something I can totally understand. Takeout is easy, convenient, and delicious. However, when you’ve ordered delivery maybe one too many times the past few weeks, it can take a definite toll on your budget and body. How can you entice yourself to order delivery? Cook more at home?
For starters, finding healthy RecipesYou enjoy making your home cook a labor-of-love instead of another task on your to-do list. And it is important to make sure that you are a Plan ahead of time rather than leaving it until the day of makes it less likely you’ll reach for your DoorDash app. Once you’ve got your go-tos figured out, stock up on staple ingredients to help make cooking at home a foundation of your diet. It’s easier to cook healthy meals at home if you are able to buy nutritious foods you love.
Sugar is a serious problem.
From Halloween to Valentine’s Day, there is no shortage of sugary treats. You shouldn’t feel shame in enjoying dessert, but consuming too many added sugars may lead to adverse Health effectsLong-term. You don’t have to cut out sugar completely. Instead, you can look at small ways to reduce sugar intake. For example, minimizing the sugar added to your coffee or tea or replacing some of your favorite drinks or snacks with “no added sugar” options can help lower the amount of sugar you’re consuming. To reduce sugar intake, it is important to read food labels. Also, be sure to check the amount of added sugar on the product. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious recipes. SatisfyingYou should opt for unsweetened yogurt, fruit, and coconut flakes as naturally sweet whole foods.
Hydrate
Water is essential for many body functions such as protecting your organs, lubricating joints, maintaining skin glow, and protecting your skin. So don’t sleep on your hydration goals this spring! The general rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight (in ounces), each day. However, water needs may vary. VariableIt all depends on your age, outside temperature, and exercise. A water bottle is one of the best ways to make sure you are drinking water, and not other dehydrating beverages. Even if you forget to drink water, you will be more likely to use a straw to get more water than if your regular sip.
I completely understand that drinking plain water is not everyone’s cup of tea. There are many options to flavor your water to make the taste more appealing. To flavor water, add lemon slices, cucumber, mint leaves, berries, oranges or a combination thereof. Drinking non-caffeinated teas or kombucha is another option. Probiotic boostThis is another great way of meeting your hydration needs.
Be mindful of what you eat
Spring is the perfect time for us to take a step back from the holiday hustle and bustle and focus on what’s important. How you’ve been eating. You might find yourself wandering aimlessly to the pantry on your work-from home day, or snacking on chips while watching your favorite TV show. Mindful eating is about being present in the moment and utilizing your body’s hunger and satiety cues to recognize when you are full. Even though we all mindlessly eat from now to then, mindfulness about food can have many benefits. benefitsThis includes learning how to savor food and how to avoid overeating. This spring, tune into your body’s needs by taking time to slow down during your meals. This could mean eating at a table, focusing on your food and not scrolling (mindless scrolling included), as well as pausing to check for fullness. Ask yourself: Do I still feel hungry or can I stop? Take note of what your body is telling you during meals and you just might notice what it’s trying to communicate in other areas of your life too.
(Without going on a diet).
Source: The Every Girl