Spring is here, and with longer days and warmer weather it’s the perfect time to pack away some of the heavy comfort food and winter habits! First, a clean pantry is the key to a clean diet, so check out this video for some tips to organize your pantry and make room for the new. Next, follow this four-week plan to start cleansing your body and get ready for summer.
Week 1: Flush with Water
Water is the oldest and most powerful detox known to man. Moreover, dehydration can lead to feeling sluggish, a poor complexion and sugar cravings. This week I want you to focus on increasing the amount of water you drink each day. The rule of thumb for the amount of water you should drink daily is half your body weight in ounces. So if you are 160 lb. you would drink 80 oz. (or 10 glasses per day). Now, for many of us this is a lot more than we are currently getting, so start by adding an additional glass of water each day until you are drinking the correct amount for you.
Quick Tips: Keep a glass of water on your nightstand and drink it as soon as you wake up. It’s a great way to start your day hydrated, and you are already 8 oz. down before you get out of bed!
Also, if you get tired of plain water, try flavoring it with Salada Green Tea Digestive Support, a blend of natural botanicals with a delicious apple and honey flavor. You are still getting the benefits of water but now with added green tea and herbs to help support your digestive system!
Week 2: Make Breakfast a Priority Every Day
Skipping breakfast is one of the most common things I see among my clients who struggle with weight or lack of energy. The word “breakfast” literally means to break the fasting period of the prior night. So if you aren’t eating until noon, you are not only going 4-5 hours without a meal but rather 16 or more hours! No wonder you are cranky, tired and sometimes overeat! This week I want you to make sure to eat breakfast first thing every day.
Quick Tips: Short on time? Check out my favorite recipes in 5 minutes or less!
Week 3: Fill Up on Fruits & Vegetables
We all know that fruits and vegetables are full of energizing vitamins and minerals as well as detoxifying fiber. However, the selection of these over the winter can be limited and expensive. Luckily spring is here and a greater variety of delicious produce is beginning to hit the shelves of your local grocery store! This week I want you to aim to have a fruit or vegetable every time you eat. You can add some fruit to your breakfast, some chopped veggies as a side to your sandwich or a fresh salad with dinner! If you are feeling adventurous, experiment with a few new-to-you vegetables … you may find a new favorite dish!
Quick Tips: Not a big vegetable fan? Try grilling them. This tends to bring out a sweeter flavor that even the pickiest eaters like. Or you can check out these ways to sneak fruits and vegetables into your meals!
Week 4: Experiment with Some New Whole Grains
A lot of us have done a great job swapping out white bread and pasta for whole grains! However, sometimes we can fall into a rut with the same old boring sides of wheat pasta or brown rice. There are a lot of great whole grain alternatives that not only add variety to your taste buds but also have extra nutrients such as B-vitamins and protein to keep you energized during the day. This week try swapping out a few of your traditional whole grains with alternatives like quinoa or farro. These are as easy to prepare as rice but have unique flavors that your family may love!
Quick Tips: Looking for a recipe? Try this Warm & Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa from 101 Cookbooks!
If you follow these four simple steps, in as short as a month you are going to be feeling clean and energized from the inside out! However, make sure not to stop there – instead, carry these great new habits throughout the year!
And remember, a few small steps can lead to big changes.
Article first appeared on unbottleyourtea.com/tara.
