These tips will help you spring clean your body so you can be mindful about what you put into your body, detox, and feel better!
There was something I had been avoiding. That evil machine that lurks in the bathroom. It mocks you some days and makes you feel great other days. But I sucked it up and did it – I stepped on the scale after avoiding it for quite a while. I had a number in mind. I knew that number went up since the last time I checked in.
That number was a little less than I anticipated, which should have made me feel really good. Instead, I recalled the number that showed up the last time I weighed myself and immediately began to wonder how that number had increased. I could think of a few things: Winter, indulging way more than I should have without moving as much, ditching jeans entirely for the comfort of leggings and yoga pants and sitting, completely engrossed in my work without getting up to move. After some thought and discussion, I decided a change needed to be made. So I’m Spring cleaning my body to get that unflattering number down for Summer.
HOW TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR BODY
SPRING CLEAN YOUR FRIDGE
I’m quite the “no waste” advocate, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Take a look inside your fridge and cabinets. Think about your recent snacking habits. If it’s not enough to donate to friends, family or even a food pantry, toss it. Now you can start fresh and add healthier options!
HIT THE FARMER’S MARKET
It’s farmer’s market season once again. Fresh fruit and vegetables are just going to get better as the weather continues to warm up. Produce from these markets not only tend to be cheaper, but they’re locally grown making them incredibly fresh.
GROW A GARDEN
Nothing beats going out to our garden to pick a ripe Jersey tomato or crunchy hot pepper. We’re even growing two varieties of radishes, fresh garlic, a plethora of herbs, carrots, snap peas and zucchini this year. You’ll take pride in knowing that you’ve grown everything yourself. That’ll make eating them even more enjoyable! If you don’t have room in your yard for a garden, you can grow several of these things in containers or even regrow produce in your kitchen!
SEARCH FOR HEALTHY, NEW RECIPES
Not only is it farmer’s market and gardening season, it’s grilling season! Grilling is a healthier option for cooking meals. Some of your farmer’s market finds will be delicious when cooked out on the grill. Think of ways to turn your old favorites into healthier recipes or search Pinterest for new ones.
DOWNLOAD A FITNESS APP
I had been a long time user of My Fitness Pal, but it had been several months since I last used it. I downloaded the app once again to keep track of my weight, daily eating habits and physical activity. It’s even helped me to plan my meals in advance so I won’t go off course with calories. It’s a great, helpful tool for those looking to reevaluate their calorie intake and get back on track!
MAKE HEALTHY FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS
I love reading “eat this, not that” articles. Instead of using mayo as a spread, use mashed avocado instead. You can even use it instead of mayo to make chicken salad. In the mood for something sweet? Freeze a cup of yogurt instead of eating ice cream. Go one better and freeze a banana and some berries. Then blend them up to make homemade fruit sorbet! Instead of eating potato chips, crunch down on some homemade kale chips or vegetable chips.
GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY
You’re never too old to go outside and play! This past weekend I ran around with my 1 1/2 year old niece. We played with kick balls and bubbles, I pushed her around in her toy car and later, my mom, sister and I went for a walk that turned into a run. When you’re having fun, you tend to forget that it’s exercise! Just like the walks my husband and I have been taking. Some days they’re around the neighborhood. Other days we hit the beach!
Simple changes can make such a difference! In just a few days, you’ll start to feel healthier, better about yourself and see a change in mood and confidence.
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