When Spring time rolls around we often get the bug to start “spring cleaning”.
For many of us, this means opening the windows and getting a breath of fresh air through out homes. We clean out the closets. Put away the winter woollies and with excitement start to bring out our summer wardrobe. Maybe we head off to the mall and pick up a few new treats. (It’s always shoes for me!)
We clear out the garage. Give the house a good dusting and start to work on the garden.
So, I was thinking, why not apply that same enthusiasm to our diets?
Certainly, we don’t need those heavy carbohydrates in our diet just like we don’t need the winter woollies, so let’s put them away.
Eat Better
Just as we are drawn to wearing brighter colors, we can start eating them. Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables:
Make a rainbow salad as part of one (or two) of your meals each day. Red and yellow peppers, or my current fave orange peppers. They just feel like you are eating sunshine.
Use dark leafy greens and organic mixes. An include exciting flavors, like a little bitter dandelion and arugula or rocket. What about the earthy taste of spinach?
Use ripe tomatoes, green onions, and radishes. There are lots of wonderful organic salad dressings on the market. Or better still, you can easily make your own with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and herbs.
Try fresh fruit salad to eat better
As a delicious and healthful alternative to high-fat desserts. Or have one for breakfast.
This week I am eating a selection of berries, including raspberry, blueberry and strawberries. They’re all high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. With yoghurt, which is so good for the intestinal tract. And a yummy way to get your calcium each morning. Sometimes I add a banana too. High in potassium.
Clean out the saturated fats by avoiding margarine, vegetable shortening, and foods containing palm or coconut oil. Instead, use a heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil. Remember that butter is usually a better choice than margarine. The less processed more natural the food better is for you.
Plant-based alternates for the vegans. Just check the ingredients.
Choose to eat whole grains instead of refined grains. The higher fiber content fills you up, and you will feel fuller. Vary your grain intake, use oats, corn, spelt and quinoa.
And quit going for fast food. Fast food is dead food. To find out more about dead food click here.
If you feel at anytime you would like some help with getting your diet back on track. And are looking for someone with a balanced approach to assist you on a personal wellness program please call me for an appointment. I can help you with a spring cleaning Program that will lift your spirits, tune up your body and lose some of those winter pounds.
Jacqueline Fairbrass
