As we welcome the spring season, it’s the perfect time to engage in not just cleaning our houses but our permanent homes – our bodies!
Remember how sensually-pleasing it is to stand in the result of a deep-cleaned home? You have an unobstructed view of the outside through streak-free windows. Because the house has been detail vacuumed and is practically dust-free, you breathe in fresher air. You walk through the house and paw prints and spills have been mopped away so your feet don’t find sticky bits on the floor. There is a pleasant slightly-citrus scent lingering in the air. You shower in a pristine bathroom and slip into fresh sheets at night. This is why we all appreciate clean houses (even if we have to escape to a short-term rental to experience it)!
Imagine what it could feel like to have a ‘spring-cleaned’ body! To wake up and not require coffee to get started with your day. To have natural energy, focus, patience and a resiliency that allows you to hit home runs, even when curveballs are thrown at you. To be able to move through your day without feeling weighed down or depleted; instead, you take calm and decisive action on the projects and tasks set for yourself.
If you’re overweight or unhappy with the way they look and feel, this is an opportunity to use these tips to refresh your eating habits and set yourself up for a healthy and vibrant season ahead. No sponges or mops needed!
Assess your Current Eating Habits
Start by taking a look at your current eating habits. What do you normally eat during the course of the day and how do they make you feel? Check in with yourself to see if you are eating variety of nutrient-dense foods or if you find yourself reaching for the ‘easy button’ with processed foods, candy or baked goods. Are you getting enough vegetables and protein? Reflecting on your habits can help you identify areas for improvement.
Incorporate more Whole Foods
One of the best ways to spring clean your diet is to focus on incorporating more whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in essential nutrients and fiber, which are important for overall health. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen each day; just try to fill your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure you’re getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
Reduce Processed Foods and Sugar-sweetened Beverages
Processed foods and sugary drinks (in the form of sodas, lemonade, mixed drinks, and more) can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. No bueno. Try to limit your intake of these foods and beverages in favor of whole, unprocessed foods and drinks without any sugar added. Some ideas are to swap sugary drinks for infused water, herbal tea, or mocktails and choose whole grains over refined grains (think cereals, breads, pasta).
Hydrate with Water
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many of us are not getting enough water. Aim to drink enough water for your individual body throughout the day to keep it hydrated and your energy levels up. If you find plain water tastes ‘boring’, try infusing it with fruits or herbs for a refreshing twist.
Practice Mindful Eating
This is simple and easy to skip, but why would you when you understand the benefits? So what is mindful eating? It involves paying attention to the food you’re eating, noticing textures and colors, savoring each bite, and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. By practicing mindful eating, you can develop a healthier relationship with food and make more conscious choices about what you eat.
Get Moving
In addition to cleaning up your diet, don’t forget to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Exercise has numerous health benefits, including improved mood, increased energy levels, better digestion, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. It also helps the body’s detoxification efforts and is thus a great way to ‘spring clean’ your body. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, dancing, cycling, or swimming. Find something you enjoy and get going!
Try the 10-Day Express Detox
For a guided, slightly more intensive cleanse, consider joining the 10-Day Express Detox program. This program is designed to help you reset your body and kickstart healthy habits. It includes a detailed meal plan and recipes to make the process easy and enjoyable. Helping your body’s detoxification processes can help you feel lighter, more energetic, and ready to take on the world!
Seek Support if Needed
If you’re struggling to make changes to your diet or are unsure where to start, consider seeking support from your favorite registered dietitian-nutritionist. Read about what others have experienced and get the guidance and support for your personalized nutrition and lifestyle journey.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your eating habits and make healthier choices. By incorporating more whole foods, reducing processed foods and sugary drinks, staying hydrated, practicing mindful eating, and staying active, you can spring clean your diet and set yourself up for a healthy and vibrant season ahead. Consider trying the 10-Day Express Detox program for a guided, more intensive cleanse and seek support where you need it. Here’s to a healthier, happier ‘springier’ you!
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