Spring is here and the weather is getting warmer…thank goodness!
It’s the time where we begin to drag the lighter weight clothes out of the closet and assess what fits from the summer before.
It’s also a time when we tend to think about eating lighter meals, as it’s true that we want warmer and more filling meals through the winter months.
Spring is a great time to assess your nutritional plan and see where you can make some healthy improvements.
Here are a few suggestions to help you Spring clean your eating!
1) Cut down on your sugar intake.
This is actually something to do all year but Spring is a great time to pay closer attention. The less sugar you eat the less you crave. Not only might you reduce your weight but you will reduce the inflammation in your body. Start with the obvious sugary foods and then move into reading your food labels for hidden sugars.
2) Clear out the pantry and the fridge of all processed white flour foods and processed snacks.
There isn’t anything about these foods that offer you any value in regard to nutrition or your waistline.
Think color! The more colorful foods that you eat the more nutrients you are getting in your food. Get to the store and buy some fresh fruit. Put a bowl on your kitchen counter. This way you think to grab fruit instead of high calorie and zero nutrition snacks.
Cut some fresh vegetables and put those in a tupperware or plastic bag in the fridge so you have something healthy to grab when you are hungry when you come home and you are starving. Pair your snack with some protein to keep you satiated.
3) Get some healthy proteins ready to go.
What do you like, chicken, fish, meat, beans? All can be pre-prepared to save you time. I recommend taking your proteins from the package and marinate in ziplock bags and then freeze. You are saving yourself a step when you are ready to make dinner.
Pre-bake some baked or sweet potatoes, partially cook grains, like quinoa or brown rice. You can do this on a weekend day so during the week you can have dinner done in 20 minutes or less.
If you don’t eat meat, prepare a mixed-bean salad or pan sauté some tofu in a marinade that you like…or both!
4) Replace your sugary, high calorie drinks with fresh, regular water or sparkling water.
I would also recommend getting rid of your diet drinks. All of that fake sugar is not healthy at all. Consider making a pitcher of water to leave in the fridge and add your favorite fruit.
Often times you may think you are hungry but you are really thirsty. Plus, if you feel tired, don’t eat to get more energy, drink water. More often than not you may be dehydrated causing you to feel sluggish. Think of all the calories you will save if what you really need is water, not food.
5) Get moving.
Now that it’s not so cold get outside and move. Go for a walk. If you don’t exercise start small. Being out in nature is not just good for you physically but it will also change your mental outlook. Grab a buddy to help keep you accountable and consistent. Don’t overthink it, just do it. Manage your mindset around creating excuses as to why you can’t.
You can access my 21-Day Lighten-Up Nutrition Plan HERE.
Take the time to make theses few, simple changes.
Remember that YOU matter and taking the time to do this for yourself is a form of self-care and self-love. If you’re ready to take the next step to get the support and accountability you need, schedule a call with me now.
