One of our recent blog posts focused on getting back to the gym in time for summer, but in this post we’re talking how to spring clean your diet now that spring is finally here. Spring is traditionally a time to renew, clean out and refresh. With more energy and daylight, now is the perfect time to motivate yourself with health goals, clear out the cupboards and fridge and spring clean your diet. Libby Limon, the Head of Nutrition at VITL gave us some of her top tips to getting started and this is what we learnt.
Focus on Fresh
Spring is the most abundant time of year for seasonal fresh produce. We have had our winter fix of soups and stews, so now is a great time to integrate more raw, fresh produce into your diet. Get imaginative with tasty salads and fresh dressings with everything from fresh herbs, tahini, to miso and different types of extra virgin oils.
Find your local farmers market to stock on seasonal organic produce or get a veg box delivered to your door which will be full of that month’s vegetables. If you’re on a real health kick make do like some of the Cornerstone team and invest in a spiralizer and start making some courgette noodles to replace the wheat kind!
Clean out your Cupboards
It is easy to end up with a cupboard of half used dry goods, out of date and never used. Have a good clear out of old food that you never use, making sure to also remove any products that are full of junk in the clear-out process.
Purge your kitchen of anything with ingredients you can’t pronounce: sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, trans-fats, diet products, sugary and salty snacks, and ‘low-fat’ or ‘diet’ food. Pay close attention to labels on condiments; they are notorious for having hidden sugars like corn syrup, which is high in fructose, or even artificial sweeteners and trans -fats.
Give yourself a natural energy boost
Winter can see our energy levels drop and cravings for caffeine, sugar and carbs increase. Spring into spring by supporting energy from the ground up with the right nutrition. Iron and B vitamins are key. The Cornerstone team are currently trying out the VITL Greens superfood powder which is packed with energy supporting nutrients and foods such as maca, green tea and spirulina- it’s definitely needed for some of us who hit the gym first thing in the morning!
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Get your fingers green
There is nothing more nutritious or satisfying than eating something that you have grown yourself. No matter how small your apartment is there is still always an opportunity to grow a little of your own produce. If you are really tight for space, start with some herbs, mint, basil, coriander and parsley. They only need a spot by a window and are great to add instant flavour, freshness and colour to your dishes. If you have a balcony you can easily grow high yielding tasty salad veg such as tomatoes, cucumbers or peppers. If you have a full garden, then you can really get adventurous. The added benefit of gardening is that it’s actually good for your health in itself. Studies have shown it helps to lower blood pressure, increase brain activity and produce a general upbeat feeling.
If need a little help getting started why not try VITL’s nutrition packs which contain convenient daily strips consisting of a Multivitamin, Omega3, CoQ10 and Supergreens capsule, which help maintain natural energy production, strong immune system and healthy heart & brain function. All Cornerstone members get a two week free trial- find out more information here.