5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Health
After the dark, cold days of the winter season, spring is a welcome time of the year for most people. It can feel like a fresh start. And if you feel like some of your healthy habits got away from you this winter, spring can be a time to reset, re-focus and get back on track.
This year, instead of just focusing on spring cleaning the house or your garden, spend some time spring cleaning your health!
Here are 5 ways to spring clean your health:
1. Get Outside
Instead of sitting down for another Netflix marathon, plan to go for a walk, bike ride, or hike, to soak up some sunshine. Our vitamin D levels take a dip in the winter months due to a lack of sun exposure. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to seasonal depression, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Now, with daylight savings, it’s lighter later, so you can still fit in an after dinner activity outside. Activities that make you breathe harder such as a brisk walk, will help oxygenate your blood, boost your mood, and strengthen your heart.
2. Clean Out Your Pantry
Having a well stocked and organized pantry will not only free up some space, it will help get your eating habits back on track. Food with little nutritional value, such as those packed with refined carbohydrates and added sugars, should be tossed out or moved to the back of the pantry, where they are less visible.
Keep your healthier options, such as nuts, seeds, and whole grain crackers in front so they are the first things you see when you are looking for a snack.
3. De-clutter Your Diet
Dial down on foods with added sugars, sodium, and bad fats. Foods with these additives clutter up your diet and add unnecessary calories, leading to weight gain. Substitute your sugary beverages for plain water (or sparkling water if you like the bubbles). Use fresh herbs to add flavour to dishes without the use of salt or MSG. Fire up that BBQ and switch to grilled rather than fried options to cut down on the extra fat.
4. Add More Colour
One of the best ways to improve your overall diet is to Eat the Rainbow. Focus on adding a lot more colour to your meals. With spring comes Farmers Markets, and a fresh variety of produce to help punch up any meal.
Also, try experimenting with new healthy recipes. Fake outs – healthy versions of take outs – like a Burrito Bowl Mason Jar, or Cauliflower Fried Rice are a great and fun way to help you stay on track.
To prepare, slice and scoop out your avocado into a bowl. Then, pour half of your olive oil and lemon juice on top. Mash with a fork until it is chunky, not smooth. Add all of the spices and mix with the fork. Top the avocado toast with the remainder of the lemon juice and olive oil.
5. Re-vamp Your Fitness Routine
Whether you’ve backed off your New Year’s resolutions, don’t know where to start, or you’re fully committed to a regular exercise regime, a positive change in your fitness habits can have a huge impact on your life.
Set a challenge for yourself, like signing up for a 5k or 10k walk/run. Give yourself a goal to focus on, or switch up your routine and by trying something new like a Yoga class or HIIT Group Training class. Trying new things takes you outside of your comfort zone, and gives you a real sense of achievement.
Looking for some additional inspiration?
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