Out With the Old, In With the New
Spring clean your plate
Spring is in the air! It's a time for renewal, for clearing out the cobwebs and clutter, and for a fresh start. We all know about Marie Kondo-ing our wardrobes, but what about applying that same approach to our diets?
Forget fad cleanses and restrictive food rules. This spring, let's focus on letting go of food habits that no longer serve us and “crowding in” those food habits that do serve us.
Healthy isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. We're all individuals with unique responses to stress, food, environmental toxins, and exercise. The key is to find what makes YOU feel your best so you can achieve that golden glow.
The changing seasons offer a natural opportunity to reassess what's on your Golden Goddess Plate.
Here are some golden tips for spring cleaning your plate:
“Crowd In” the Good: Focus on incorporating more whole, nutrient-dense foods. Load up on colorful fruits, such as cherries and strawberries, and vegetables, such as artichokes, asparagus and morels, whole grains, such as brown rice, and quinoa, and lean protein sources, such as organic chicken and grass-fed beef. By prioritizing these options, there's less room for those unhealthy processed foods.
Looking for a taste of spring? Dive into this simple strawberry recipe!
Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette by How Sweet. Eats Embrace the Season: Spring brings an abundance of fresh, local produce. Explore your local farmers market! Leafy Greens: A springtime staple! Arugula's peppery kick adds a delightful bite to salads, while spinach and Swiss chard are perfect for wilting into pasta dishes or frittatas. Don't forget about kale, collard greens, and turnip greens – these nutrient powerhouses are delicious sautéed with garlic or incorporated into stews.
This recipe is seriously delicious (and easy)! Worth a try!
Avocado and Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potato Fries by
Spring Greens: Asparagus! This springtime green can be roasted, grilled, or simply enjoyed raw with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Peas are another addition – enjoy them shelled and raw for a refreshing snack, or add them to stir-fries or gluten-free pasta for a pop of sweetness. Sugar snap peas offer a fun contrast and are delicious whole or sliced for salads. I love to snack on them with a side of hummus!
Looking for a quick and delicious side dish? Check out this sugar snap pea recipe!
Garlic Butter Sugar Snap Peas by The Endless Meal Fresh From the Earth: Beets come in a rainbow of colors – red, golden, and chioggia – and can be roasted, pickled, or even enjoyed raw. Radishes add a peppery crunch to salads or crudités platters. Don't miss out on fresh spring onions – their milder flavor compared to their winter counterparts makes them perfect for adding a subtle oniony touch to dishes.
Unique Spring Finds: Fava beans, with their creamy texture and nutty flavor, are delicious tossed with pasta or used as a spread. Ramps, also known as wild garlic, offer a garlicky punch to pestos and sauces.
Try this easy recipe for a burst of flavor:
Hydration Hero: With warmer weather comes the need for increased hydration and minerals. Our bodies are about 60% water, and proper hydration is essential for virtually every bodily function. I typically add into my distilled water, Quinton minerals and rotate Hypertonic Minerals (morning or early afternoon) and Isotonic Minerals (evening or anytime), as well as Cellcore’s Ct-Minerals (use free code FM2ZJhN9).
Here are some tips to increase your water intake:
Carry a reusable water bottle: Keep it with you at all times as a constant reminder to sip.
Set reminders: Use your phone or a hydration app to remind yourself to drink water at regular intervals.
Flavor it up: Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or berries to your water for a naturally flavored twist.
Get Outside: Soak up the sunshine! Being outdoors can elevate your mood and motivate you to make healthy choices. Take your workout routine outside, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, or simply take a walk and breathe in the fresh air. Getting outside isn't just about enjoying sunshine (although that's a perk!), it's a scientifically proven way to reduce stress and boost your golden glow. Studies show that spending time in nature lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that leads to unwanted weight gain.
Remember, healthy eating isn't a rigid set of rules – it's a journey of discovery. Listen to your body's unique needs and preferences. So, this spring, ditch the restrictive fads and cleanses. Instead, gently Marie Kondo your diet. Thank those old habits that served you in the past, but let them go if they no longer spark joy (or health!) in your life.
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