In spring we traditionally begin a deep clean of our homes, decluttering and going through our wardrobes and recycling clothes and shoes that we don’t need. Since you put the effort into having a cleaner home, it’s also important that you put some effort into a cleaner lifestyle. So, if you are refreshing your home, it’s time to do that with yourself too.
In the winter months we tend to eat heavier foods and move less, but as the weather now changes, so should our diet and lifestyle. It’s time to get ready to look your best, beginning to shed the winter weight to prepare for summer, especially if you have dresses you want to wear comfortably and confidently.
Today I’m sharing the importance of doing a spring cleanse as well as some simple tips on how to do it.
Cleansing supports our body to naturally detoxify. This is important because we are exposed to toxins daily through the foods we eat, products we use and even with the beverages we drink.
Below I share some simple ways to support your body to cleanse naturally.
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Clean your fridge and pantry. Go through your kitchen carefully, reading labels for expired foods. You may have cans, jars or bottles that have been there for months or even years and you won't be using these. If a food is still within its “use by” date, drop it at a charity food collection, most supermarkets have these. Once you’ve cleared up your kitchen, then use the tips below on what to stock up on.
When doing a cleanse, it's best to start your day with a healthy, nutritious and satisfying breakfast that provides you with the fuel you need to get through your day. Many popular breakfasts such as cereals or croissants are high in added sugars, which can lead to spikes in your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling depleted and may impact your mood throughout the day. Added sugars are also known for leading to tooth decay, weight gain and chronic illnesses. Instead, of processed sugar breakfasts, have a bowl of homemade granola or porridge made with natural sweeteners.
Increase vegetables, these colourful nutrient dense foods are lower in calories, providing you with fibre for a healthy heart. Raw vegetables are also higher in enzymes to support your digestion. There is an abundance of vegetables during spring, so ensure you stock up on these.
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Eat balanced meals to feel satisfied. Cleansing does not mean starving yourself. Do eat your regular three meals plus have snacks too. Eat meals that include protein and whole grains. I see many making the mistake of cutting out grains when trying to lose weight when in fact it’s just refined carbohydrates (eg white bread, soft drinks, cakes, etc) that should be reduced or avoided. The right intake of whole grains provides you with energy plus essential nutrients including fibre, so you can still eat brown rice, whole wheat roti or pasta when doing the cleanse.
Eat mindfully. Often we are in a rush, multi-tasking and don’t have time to sit down and eat. Make time for your meals and slow down to eat mindfully, chewing your food to enjoy the tastes and textures.
Watch portion sizes. Over winter you may have been grazing on more snacks or eating larger portion sizes, then feeling sluggish and tired after overeating. Become aware of your serving sizes and cut down if having larger portions.
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Stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink water throughout the day but water is needed for many essential functions, such as transporting oxygen and nutrients through the body. It supports body to detoxify by having healthy digestion and flushing out toxins. Try and reduce soft drinks or hot beverages that have a high sugar content, as these typically also include plenty of calories which can lead to weight gain. If you don’t like the taste of water, add some lemon slices or mint leaves to it.
We've been consuming a lot of sugar during Christmas, New Years, Valentines and now Easter. And, even if you have the intentions, It is hard to give up sugar and often many fail at it, because of their intense cravings. Just like spring cleaning and letting go of clothes or other things that you no longer need, you should let go of some habits that don’t serve you. One of these habits to let go of is having refined sugar.
Sujata Din is a Certified Health Coach and Certified Professional Cancer Coach. In this regular column for iGlobal, she offers some special insights, from useful wellness tips to recipes for creations that are not only delicious but also healthy.
*Info: Sugar Free Challenge