The glow of the sun, longer days, and flowers in full bloom announce that spring has arrived. One of our favorite seasons is here, and for many, it’s a time for thorough cleaning of our homes. But why not “clean” our diet as well? Here are some tips to leave behind those not-so-healthy eating habits and introduce fresh and nutritious foods characteristic of spring.
Check your pantry!
Start by getting rid of those processed foods high in sugars, fats, and salt that you’ve accumulated over the winter. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a diet high in these ingredients can lead to chronic diseases.
Embrace Seasonal Vegetables
Spring brings us a variety of fresh vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, peas, and spinach are just a few examples of veggies that are at their peak of flavor and nutrition. A diet rich in vegetables can reduce the risk of many diseases and improve your overall health.
Limit Sugary Drinks
Replace sodas and juices high in sugar with water infused with fresh fruit slices like lemon or cucumber for flavor. The American Heart Association suggests limiting the amount of added sugars to promote heart health and prevent other chronic diseases.
Cook at Home
Preparing your own meals allows you total control over the ingredients. Use fresh herbs and spices instead of salt for seasoning and enjoy natural flavors. Cooking has many benefits, among them, you can save money.
Stay Hydrated
Water is vital to our health. As the weather warms up, make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You can use seasonal fruits to add a splash of flavor and nutritional value to your glass of water.
Enjoy Fresh Fruits
Blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, guava, oranges, papaya, peaches, strawberries, tangerines, and watermelonare some of the fruits making their debut in spring and are delicious, packed with vitamins, and an excellent option for a healthy snack. To know what is in season any time of the year follow Fresh from Florida.
Remember, just as our home needs a deep cleaning every now and then, our body appreciates a cleaner and fresher diet. By adopting these habits, you’ll not only feel lighter but also healthier.
Written by Irisvette Lagoa and Elizabeth C. Shephard
References
American Heart Association. (2023). How too much added sugar affects your health infographic. www.heart.org. https://rb.gy/oe9d6
“What’s in Season : Fresh from Florida.” Navigation, www.followfreshfromflorida.com/whats-in-season. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.
USDA. (2023). Vegetables. MyPlate | U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/vegetables
World Health Organization. (2002, March 4). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases: Report of a joint WHO/FAO expert consultation. www.who.int. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/924120916X
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