By Joanne Gardner, MS, RDN, LDN
Spring prompts many of us to consider a seasonal clean-eating effort to rewind from the indulgences of the Fall and Winter. These eight steps can help to guide you through your own Spring cleanse:
Toss out foods that are stale or have sat untouched for too long. What about discarding some of the high sugar, processed foods that have crept into the house? Unopened foods that are still within their “use by” dates can be donated to a food pantry.
Incorporate foods that support your body’s detoxification processes; focus on legumes or lean animal proteins, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, fresh herbs and citrus.
Though our morning cup of coffee and evening glass of wine provide us many benefits (energy, socialization, relaxation), their physiological impacts can lead to nervousness, anxiety, headache and other symptoms.
Combine high protein and antioxidant rich foods into a smoothie or stir together in a bowl. Give this combination a try:
If you prefer to eat your foods with a spoon: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Let the mixture rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to hydrate the nuts and seeds or refrigerate overnight.
If you want to make a smoothie: Combine all ingredients in a blender. Add ½ to 1 cup water and blend until smooth, adjusting the water until you reach the desired consistency.
Photo contributed by Jocelyn Weiss
Other actions to help the body’s natural cleansing processes include:
Aim for 30 minutes per day of walking, jogging or cycling to help optimize metabolism, stimulate blood flow and reduce stress.
Research has shown sweating in a sauna may enhance metabolic processes and support the detoxification of toxic chemicals and metals from the body.
Making time for a few postures each day can help to reduce stress and stimulate blood flow to your organs.
Detoxification and elimination processes are hard at work while you sleep.
In Chinese Medicine, the year is divided into five seasons, not four. In addition to the familiar spring, summer, autumn, and winter, there is a "fifth season" known as late summer or Indian summer. This season is a transitional period, typically occurring in the last few weeks of August and ...
READ MOREPain management at home is crucial for those dealing with chronic conditions, recovering from injuries, or experiencing occasional discomfort. Simple, practical tools can provide relief without requiring a trip to the doctor’s office. Here are some essential tools that can help manage pain at home.
Chronic pain is a common yet challenging condition affecting millions worldwide. While conventional treatments often rely on medications, an increasing number of people are turning to holistic approaches like yoga. Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation, can offer a natural and effective way to ...
READ MORE
