Spring isn’t just a time to clean out your closet – it’s time to re-evaluate what you’re eating. Did you indulge in more comfort foods over the winter? If so, you may have noticed your clothes fit a little more tightly, especially when you try to squeeze into last year’s shorts! Spring is time to get back on track and recommit to clean eating. Fortunately, with the skies brighter, there’s more motivation to do it. Here are some clean eating tips for spring to help you take advantage of the warm weather.
Clean Eating Tips for Spring #1: Clean Out Your Cabinets and Refrigerator
Just as you spring clean your house, give the cabinets and refrigerator a makeover too. Take everything out and inspect it. Toss any junk food that may have found its way into your home during the winter months. It’s time for a clean break! If you have unopened items, you can always donate them so you won’t feel guilty about “wasting food.” You’ll feel good knowing you’re starting “fresh” for spring.
Clean Eating Tips for Spring #2: Visit a Farmer’s Market
Now that you’ve purged your pantry and refrigerator, restock with nutrient-dense foods that are low in calories. There’s no better choice than fruits and veggies. When spring arrives, farmer’s markets buzz with activity. Make sure you’re there to select fresh produce to snack on raw or with a healthy dip – or to cook as a side dish in place of potatoes, pasta or white rice. Farmer’s markets are perfect for the frugal foodie who’s minding her waistline since the prices are lower and the produce fresher than what you find at most supermarkets. Plus, you’re supporting your local community.
Take advantage of the wealth of greens that become available in the spring. At some farmer’s markets, you can find asparagus, arugula, mustard greens, lettuce, garlic artichokes, beets, spring onions, broccoli rabe and much more. Imagine how they’ll dress up your plate and add vitamins and minerals without all the calories. Sautee them lightly in olive oil. The healthy fats in the olive oil will help you absorb fat-soluble nutrients in produce.
Clean Eating Tips for Spring #3: Plant a Garden
Spring’s a good time to plant a small garden so you can have fresh fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. Plus, you can grow them organically so you don’t have to worry about pesticide exposure. No room for a garden? You can grow dwarf vegetables in pots next to a window or grow fresh herbs or sprouts in your kitchen windowsill.
Clean Eating Tips for Spring #4: Pack a Lunch and Eat Outside
Instead of buying a not-so-healthy lunch at a restaurant or the office cafeteria, pack a nutritious spread at home and eat outside. When you pack a lunch you control the ingredients. Plus, you’ll get some vitamin D from the sun. Being outdoors is a good stress reliever too – and a break from the office.
Need ideas for outdoor lunches? Make a wrap. Instead of a tortilla, use a large piece of romaine lettuce to hold the ingredients together. Inside add chopped tuna or chicken, sliced almonds, chopped apples, and light mayo or chop raw vegetables into small pieces along with small chunks of avocado and nuts and enjoy it with a light dressing. Marinate kale in lemon juice and use it as a base for a superfood salad. How about a cold gazpacho tomato soup? It’s low in calories and rich in heart-healthy lycopenes.
Clean Eating Tips for Spring #5: Stay Cool with Sugar-Free Drinks
In the spring, it’s important to stay hydrated, but do it with beverages that are free of added sugar. Most people consume far more calories from drinks than they think. You can’t go wrong with the universal beverage, water. Jazz it up with cucumber slices, fresh herbs or slices of fresh fruit. Iced green tea and herbal teas over ice are another good option. Try iced hibiscus tea with a calorie-free sweetener like Stevia. It tastes a bit like all-natural Koolaid.
Clean Eating Tips for Spring #6: Cool Off with a Green Smoothie
There’s another way to use the fresh greens you buy at the Farmer’s market. Make a green smoothie. If you use the right ingredients, they’re low in calories and rich in antioxidants and other phytochemicals that protect against disease. You can find a wealth of recipes online that you can whip up in your blender at home. Why pay $5.00 for a smoothie at a smoothie shop that’s less healthy than one you can make at home?
Clean Eating Tips for Spring #7: Commit to Limiting Processed Foods
One of the most important things you can do for your health is cut back on packaged and processed foods. Springtime is the perfect time to do it since you have ready access to more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ready to revamp your eating habits? Here’s hoping you’ll be eating healthy this spring. Use these clean eating tips to help you get started.
References:
World’s Healthiest Foods website.
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