As the snow starts to melt and little green shoots start to make their tentative appearance in gardens, the urge to spring clean rises. In addition to cleaning closets, cupboards, and everything else, we should not neglect our bodies.
I know what you are thinking: “Not a cleanse! Not a detox! If you have kidneys and a liver, you have all the detoxing that you need!” This is true, it is, but let’s face it: after a winter of hibernating and eating lots of comfort food, you might be feeling sluggish and less than optimal.
Let’s get past that. There are ways to spring clean your body, without putting yourself through and unpleasant “cleanse” or “detox.”
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Triple Your Fruit and Veggie Intake
Colour your world – and your plate – with fruits and vegetables. Reach for an apple or a bowl of sliced strawberries for your afternoon snack. Kale and zucchini chips make a delicious savoury snack for family movie night! Swap cauliflower for regular rice or pizza crust, trade your bowl of cereal for a spinach smoothie. You’ll up your intake in no time, which helps with digestion, energy levels, and even weight loss. Have a lot of random veggies in your crisper? Make these pretty jarred salads and veggie snacks for lunch, and ditch the takeout!
Fatigue, bloat, and headaches can all be caused by a lack of hydration. Buy a pretty water bottle and make a goal to fill it up three times a day. Don’t like plain water? Try a squeeze of lemon or adding a couple of frozen berries for flavour. Yes, you’ll have to visit the bathroom a lot more often at first, but as your body gets used to its new level of hydration, that will level off.
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Get Outside
Now that the air isn’t hurting our faces, it’s time to get outside. Even just fifteen minutes a day of outdoor time can improve your energy and mood. Get out and breathe that fresh spring air!
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Cut the Sugar
Oooh, you knew this was coming, didn’t you! Sugar can be so addictive and toxic, so why not wean yourself off the sweet stuff? Try the kinder, gentler approach and limit yourself to two sweet treats or desserts a week – that way, you won’t feel deprived. If you’re used to having a sweet after dinner, brush your teeth right away to curb that craving.
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Try Something New
Have you ever wanted to take up running, try yoga, or sign up for a new exercise class? There’s no time like the present! Spring is the perfect time to try a new exercise and get your sweat on. Exercising increases your energy, rather than detracts from it, so tie up those shoes and get moving!
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