Thursday Thoughts Ed. 92 - Spring Clean Your Diet

6:23 AM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Yes, it’s time. Even thought in the NW our spring starts with 65 degree days followed by 45 degree days, the time has come to open the house and sweep out the crud. Winter weather ceases the weekend trips to the farmers market and increases the trips to your local Thai-take out joint. Our daily exercise activity often slows when it’s colder too. Hey, it’s ok, it’s the natural flow of things. But, as the sun stays up later in the sky it’s time to toss off the winter blankets and shake things up!

Here are 6 ways to freshen up with out freaking out. There’s no need to juice fast or mega-diet. Just get back to basics.

1. Add veggies. To everything. Decorate your plate with the colors of spring. Eating a rainbow of colors makes sure you are filling up on fiber, vitamins, minerals and other heath-giving nutrients. I like to add spinach and bright peppers to eggs in the morning, berries on salads and greens to dinner meals.

2. Drink up. In the winter drinking chilly water can be less appealing. Make a real effort to up your hydration as the weather warms. Sometimes when we think we are hungry we really just need to satisfy our thirst. Try to have one big glass in the morning before breakfast and another glass before and after every meal during the day.

3. Get back in the kitchen. I know I was way less enthusiastic about cooking on cold, yucky nights. Dining out can leave your wallet and diet lacking. Grab a copy of Cooking Light or Eating Well and pick our one or two new and easy, healthy meals to make this week. I’ve recently tried Shredded Beef Tacos, Lemon Chicken and Italian Turkey Burgers. Check out my blog for recipes!

4. Get organized. Think ahead. Make a meal plan. Take a look at your week and decide when you can whip up new meals and when you need to rely on left-overs. Browse the produce aisle for the freshest local veggies and fruits and try to add them to your meals.

5. Ditch the sugary stuff. It’s easy to get in the habit of drinking hot cups of cocoa, toasting muffins in the morning and creating comfort in the evening with baked cakes and cookies when the weather whips outside. Make your spring time comfort food healthy and fresh. Choose whole foods as often as possible and get in the habit of reading labels. Sugar is sneaky.

6. Get out there! With an hour extra light in the evening why not take a short stroll before or after dinner. Get back to your habit or walking or riding to work, meeting friends for jogs in the park. Take every opportunity to enjoy the Vitamin D and get that body out of hibernation.

Here’s to your health and happiness!