Spring Clean Your Diet
Warm days are almost here and as the joys of comfort food eating come to an end (and I hibernate for the desert heat), the onset of warm weather is the best time to overhaul eating habits and commit to change. While eating clean may come naturally for some, it requires a little more effort for others. Whether your goal is to eat better or lose weight, now is the time. Consider this your spring cleaning checklist to get on track!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It can't be said enough how wonderful water is for the mind, body and soul. Water is refreshing, cleansing, nourishing and detoxifying. As the temperatures climb outside, the body needs more water to function. Carry a water bottle with you EVERYWHERE and to motivate yourself to drink more add your favorite fresh fruits and citrus flavors. It's fun and tasty! You can even get techie with a water bottle like this that tracks your water drinking with an app.
[AdSense-A]
Cleanse
Cleanse without a cleanse! Apple cider vinegar is one of my favorite ways to cleanse the body. It has so many health benefits from removing toxins to building gut immunity important. Add 1-2 teaspoons of ACV to a small glass of warm water every morning. The taste takes some getting used to, but it's worth it! A little lemon helps.
Ditch The Sugar
Sugar is the only thing I will ever tell you to reduce from your diet. Too much of the sweet stuff causes a ripple effective of health problems beginning with inflammation ending with obesity, type II diabetes, cancer and/or heart disease. Sugar is hidden in most packaged foods including bread, cereal, pasta, crackers, canned vegetables, beans & fruits, dressings and yogurt to name a few.
[AdSense-A]
Clear out the pantry, cupboards, freezer and refrigerator of foods high in sugar. Remember many foods have added sugar as a hidden ingredient. Check the sugar grams per serving and ingredients. 1 teaspoons of sugar equals 4 grams. 6 teaspoons a day is what the AHA recommends.
Replace these foods with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, raw seeds and nuts. Invest in a good blender or juicer so you can turn them into homemade muffins, smoothies, sweet green juices or a savory hummus. These are sure ways to satisfy a sweet tooth!
Add Green To Your Plate
Leafy greens have powerful antioxidants and dietary fiber that are proven to aid in weight loss, de-bloating, digestion, detoxing, boosting immunity and metabolizing fats. Up your green game by adding more leafy greens to your diet. Aim for three to four cups daily. They will keep you full and energize you!
Drink a green superfood alkalinizing powder several times a week to support your body's natural detox and balance pH levels. Add it to a smoothie, juice, oatmeal or water.
Brown Bag It
Bringing your lunch to work is guaranteed healthy eating success. Bring leftovers from dinner or meal prep grains, proteins and vegetables on the weekend for the week. If you're really zealous, make your own homemade granola bars and snacks too!
Plant An Herb Garden
You can add so much flavor to food with herbs and spices. Having an herb garden is super simple, convenient and inexpensive. It's a great way to add flavor for less calories. If you're really motivated, plant a vegetable garden too! And while you're at it, stock up on spices and don't be afraid to try something new.
Visit The Farmer's Market
Farmer's Markets are great visual motivation for eating well. You just can't say no to the fresh, juicy produce! Not only will you score organic produce free of pesticides but you will save money too. Plus buying local you're helping the environment. It's a win-win!
If you can't make it to a farmer's market, do yourself a favor and buy as much organic as you can afford. Check the dirty dozen list and prioritize those foods over others when you're on a budget.
[Tweet "Spring clean your #diet with these 7 helpful tips!"]
Jody - Fit at 58 says
I am good with mine for the most part but I just can't do that apple cider vinegar as much as everyone writes about it! 🙂
Megan says
It takes some getting used to. I couldn't stomach it at first, but after awhile it's no big deal. I actually drink a lot of it now.
Blair says
I just bought a bunch of fresh herbs at the store today! Unfortunately, I have a mini garden on my kitchen counter until the last frost passes through VA. I think it's supposed to snow here on Sunday!!! BOOO. I'm moving to AZ...
Megan says
Whatever works right?
Georgie @ Healthy Pears says
Love this! I got a sudden wave of motivation this week after hitting the gym in the first time in many months! So am definitely welcoming this advice! I've started meal planing again which has really helped me stay on track this week! I plan breakfast for my man (who works), his lunches, and then both of our dinners and snacks! it is so helpful having a list of what we are eating and saves money too!
Megan says
Good for you. Keep up the good work!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I was just thinking about this topic as I shot a macaroni and cheese dish the other day, haha! It's getting to be that time when we crave lighter meals and I love these tips to help us transition. I'm so excited to visit the farmers market and see all of the fresh spring fruits (hello strawberries!) and veggies!
Megan says
Now that is funny!
Taylor says
Great tips! It is amazing how much proper hydration can make a difference. I feel so much more energized, better digestion and just feel better overall when I am hydrated.
Megan says
Exactly!
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
Great tips! I couldn't agree more about sugar and hydration. Those are the two that I think most people need to work on first and foremost. I just planted my garden and I'm hoping for a good bounty this year!
Megan says
Yes! Sugar specifically has gotten out of control & I'm afraid people don't realize it's in everything.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I can't wait until we get a fridge at work. CANNOT WAIT. And a microwave. Maybe I could try to cultivate an herb garden there, because anything grown in my apartment dies. It is like a joke.
Mark Forge says
Too hot? Too hold? Not enough sun? Forget to water? Maybe you're trying to plant plants that are not suited for an apartment?
Megan says
Exactly why desert living is for me. Plants are conditioned to not need much water so I cannot kill them. HAHA!