How to update your eating habits for a healthy spring
Spring is officially here! If your diet has been a little bit off the rails since the holidays, don’t feel bad about it. Now’s the perfect time to spring clean your eating habits. Here are eight small hacks to make it even easier:
1. Skip quick fixes
Quick fixes, like detoxes, fad diets, and cleanses, won’t result in any lasting results when it comes to health and fitness. Depriving yourself isn’t healthy, either, and usually backfires. Remember that you’re better off with slow, steady, and sustainable. Focus on eating whole foods and avoid cutting out entire food groups.
2. Load up on in-season produce
One of the best things about spring is all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are now in season. Load up on asparagus, rhubarb, green peas, lettuce, and strawberries. Use produce to reacquaint yourself with a lighter, fresher, and healthier diet.
3. Avoid mindless eating
Trying to eat more mindfully is helpful when you’re trying to be healthier. Not only does mindful eating help tune you into your body’s hunger cues, but it also helps you to make wiser decisions. Concentrate more on what you’re eating and if you’re really hungry at that moment.
4. Drink less alcohol
Now’s the time to cut back on alcohol if you’re trying to change your eating habits. Why? Alcohol has no nutritional benefits, and it may cause you to make less healthy food choices in the long-term. That being said, you can definitely consume alcohol in moderation and still be healthy.
5. Cut back on eating out
Eating healthier takes some planning and work. But putting in the effort to cook for yourself is worth it. Be sure to set aside time to do meal prep once or twice a week. Cook meals that include lean proteins, complex carbs, and at least a few different vegetables for the week ahead to set yourself up for success.
6. Eat more vegetables
Very few Americans eat the recommended five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables daily. To make this goal easier to achieve, eat at least one veggie-based meal per day, like a big salad or a stir-fry — this will help you reach your health and fitness goals and ensure your body is getting vital nutrients that it needs.
7. Slash sugar
Winter may be sweets season. But spring is all about eating fresh fruits. While you don’t need to eliminate all sugar from your diet, try replacing some of those sweetened drinks and snacks with healthier choices that aren’t full of added sweeteners. Added sugar has no nutritional value and can increase your risk of diabetes.
Fuel your body thoughtfully
As we welcome the vibrant spring season, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate your eating habits for a healthier you. These simple adjustments can help you embark on a path to better nutrition. So, bid farewell to quick fixes, savor the bounty of in-season produce, practice mindful eating, and consider cutting back on alcohol and dining out. By embracing these changes, you’ll nourish your body thoughtfully and let go of habits that no longer serve your well-being. Here’s to a brighter and healthier spring ahead!
References
- “8 Small, Easy Ways to Spring Clean Your Eating Habits,” Self, April 27, 2017.
- “Five Ways to Spring Clean Your Diet,” Runner’s World, February 12, 2014.
