Some of us are stead strong in our healthy eating through the cold and snowy winters in New England. We get excited for all the spring races and events and there are lots. The Spring is full of all the athletes showing off their winter training and kicking the rest of our buts at races. Others of us are still wiping away the crumbs from our cookies and cakes, and trying to cover our eyes when we step on the scale or try to pull on those cute little capri's that are a little tight. Seriously, I'm not pleased with those little seamstress gnomes that like to hang out in the back of my closet and make my clothes a size smaller each year.
Either way the spring is the season for growth and change, and are bodies thrive when we feed it the kind of food it needs. It is the time of year to let go of all those heavy, thick foods that provided us comfort and fuel in the winter and move to our lighter and nutritious spring diet.
Finding food that fuel our bodies and provide for optimal health is important especially when we are pushing our bodies to do more. Let's be honest, pushing the buttons on the clicker doesn't burn as much, or require as much fuel, so empty calories and junk may sustain you in the winter just fine. But when you start moving, if you don't eat you won't go. If you are starting to walk, bike or run this time of year you may notice a sluggishness that is reminiscent of Sundays on the couch in January.
That means it's time to reexamine what you are putting into your body. Going back to the healthy guidelines plate and start making some changes. So we all know eat more fruits and veggies, avoid sweets and over processed foods. But how do we make this interesting and not eat the same salad every day for lunch until October?
1> Eat Local. Your body does well when you eat food that are native to your area and in season. This often means you can purchase them at the Farmer's Markets, Farm Stands or on sale at your local natural grocery store. Not only are you helping your body, your helping grow your local economy.
2> Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). There are many CSAs around that offer fresh (and local) produce grown at the farm or a partnering farm and you get a box or a few bags each week. One thing that some people don't like is you don't get to choose what you get. Some places you can pick between Collards and Kale or Beets and Onions, but usually you just get what mother nature has produced in abundance. This forces you to be creative or risk wasting your produce.
3> Plant a garden. If you have the space and desire give it a try. Even if you desperately lack space you can do a container garden, grow herbs on your window sills or get an Aero Garden. Growing your own produce or herbs makes everything taste better. I can't tell you how many times we have just decided to have Tomato sandwiches in the summer (with homemade hummus and homemade GF bread)
4> Finally, choose wisely, stay clear of white foods (except Cauliflower, that's a good one). Sugar and flour both have little to know nutritional value yet they top our diet all winter long. Let go of it. Fill your plate with fresh vegetables, the greener the better, fruit and whole grains like quinoa.
Worried about protein being vegetarian or vegan? Don't there is no need. Greens have a ridiculous amount of protein, as do nuts, quinoa, and legumes. Don't obsess over the Protein you will get enough. Focus on the color on your plate and your tummy, your brain and your waist line will thank you. Not to mention your legs and arms that do most of the work.
And don't forget to check back often for new recipes, especially as my garden starts to produce. I get all sorts of crazy when that happens. :)
Carry on, eat well and Namaste.
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