This weekend was the Women’s Institute roadside clean-up weekend in PEI.  Islanders were encouraged to pick-up garbage found along their property, place it in blue bags, and set it by the curb.  While biking the rails to trails this weekend, I decided to do my part to beautify PEI. So I attached a blue bag to my Schwinn mountain bike, and off I went. 

Spring is my favorite season of the year, and I especially enjoy the smell of newness from the forest. Pine cones, dandelions, fresh grass… and comparing hues of earthy greens and browns. Stopping to pick up debris made me feel good about helping to preserve the beauty of our Island.  And then I began to ponder the fact it’s also time to beautify my inner-self.

Spring cleaning is not just for your environment, but your body as well. Naturally we eat heavier, warm foods in the winter time to conserve body heat. It’s cold in the Northern Hemisphere and we need to fuel our bodies correctly with proper nourishment.  When the seasons change, it’s a good idea to create some internal change by switching up your dietary choices. Here are some tips to help.

1. Bulk up with high fibre foods. High fibre foods are lower in the glycemic index and fill you up. Good sources of high fibre foods include: vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Bonus- High fibre foods promote a healthy digestive tract and usually low in calories.

2. Keep your diet mostly raw, organic and un-processed. Raw foods are packed full of water, fibre, vitamins and minerals. The high fibre content fills you up without many added calories. Aim to eat and buy as much organic local produce that you can. Limit processed and prepackaged food in your diet.

3. Avoid stimulants such as sugar, caffeine, nicotine, some OTC medications, and energy drinks. These substances promote ill-health and should be avoided. Talk to your health care provider about the right approach for you. Eating a healthy portion controlled diet full of fruits and vegetables should help.

4. Include sources of good fat in your diet such as raw nuts and seeds, salmon, hempseed and flaxseed. These foods help to satisfy the body and nourish the hair, skin and nails. Try adding ground flaxseed or hempseed into your cereal, yogurt or top on a salad.

5. Make water your beverage of choice. Your body consists primarily of water. It is best to avoid sugary and artificial sweeteners, fruit juices and energy drinks. These drinks are packed full of empty carbohydrate calories.

This Spring I challenge you to take charge of your diet by developing a “think before you eat”, attitude.  Decide wither the food your about to consume is nutritious and of good quality. Another point to consider is the carbon footprint your food takes before if ends up consumed. Basically learn to eat ethically.

In the spring I often begin to drink my nutrition. Freshly pressed juices are a great addition to any diet, and contains many live enzymes, vitamins and minerals.  When shopping for a juicer, think about how hard it is to clean before buying. Through my own experiences, the cheaper the machine the harder to clean. Try to buy organic produce more often, and in season whenever possible.  These days my favorite combination includes: ½ organic lemon, 1 granny smith apple, 3 medium carrots, 2 chunks of cucumber, a large chunk gingerroot and a handful of parsley.  Mix well and serve.

What are you doing to clean –up your diet this spring? I would LOVE to hear from you. Stay tuned to our blog next week for Spring Clean- Up Part 2- The Body.