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Some Simple Ways to Eat Better this Season

March 2006

When Spring time rolls around we often get the bug to start "spring cleaning". For many of us, this means opening the windows and getting a breath of fresh air through out homes. We clean out the closets, putting away the winter woollies and with excitement start to bring out our summer wardrobe. Maybe we head off to the mall and pick up a few new treats. (It's always shoes for me!) We clear out the garage, give the house a good dusting and start to work on the garden.

So, I was thinking, why not apply that same enthusiasm to our diets?

• Certainly, we don't need those heavy carbohydrates in our diet just like we don't need the winter woollies, so let's put them away.
• Just as we are drawn to wearing brighter colours, we can start eating them. Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables:
  
  • Make a rainbow salad as part of one (or two) of your meals each day - red and yellow peppers, or my current favourite - orange peppers. They just feel like you are eating sunshine. Use dark leafy greens and organic mixes, which include exciting flavours, like a little bitter dandelion and arugula or rocket, and the earthy taste of spinach. Use ripe tomatoes, green onions, and radishes. There are lots of wonderful organic salad dressings on the market, or you can easily make your own with olive oil, balsalmic vinegar and herbs.
    
  • Try fresh fruit salad as a delicious and healthful alternative to high-fat desserts. Or have one for breakfast. This week I am eating a selection of berries, including raspberry, blueberry and strawberries (all high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants) with yoghurt (good for the intenstinal tract and a yummy way to get your calcium) each morning. Sometimes I add a banana too.
    
• Clean out the saturated fats by avoiding margerine, vegetable shortening, and foods containing palm or coconut oil. Instead, use a heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil. Remember that butter is usually a better choice than margerine - the less processed the food and the more natural the better it is for you.
  
• Choose to eat whole grains instead of refined grains. The higher fibre content fills you up, and you will fee fuller. Vary your grain intake, use oats, corn, spelt and quinoa.
  
• And quit going for fast food. Fast food is dead food. To find out more about dead food click here.

If you feel at anytime you would like some help with getting your diet back on track and are looking for someone with a balanced approach to assist you on a personal wellnessProgram, just call me for an appointment. I can help you with a spring cleaning Program that will lift your spirits, tune up your body and lose some of those winter pounds.