When we talk about spring cleaning, we first think of de-cluttering our home, cleaning the attic, or organizing the garage. But, what about our diet? Spring is a good time for us to spruce up our diets.
Although I consider myself a healthy person, I know there are some things in my diet I could improve. For instance, I’m bad at drinking the required amount of water. I’ve tried water enhancers, bottles with straws, and tricking myself into believing that a smaller water bottle would work. None of these strategies have helped me move closer to my goal. But, as long as I keep trying, I know I’ll eventually get there.
If you’re wanting to improve your diet, now is a good time to take stock of what you need to improve. Below are a few simple tips to help you spring clean your diet:
- Take small steps – you can improve your diet by slowly making changes. For instance, try eating a piece of fruit rather than eating a candy bar.
- Opt for low-sodium foods – you’d be surprised as to the amount of sodium in certain foods. The recommended sodium amount for U.S. adults is 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day. Yet, many individuals consume well over 3,400 mg. Remember, that consuming foods with too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure: a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
- Add variety – if you’re like me and get bored easily, you’ll want to add variety in your diet. Although salads are good for you, they can become rather boring if you don’t spice them up with different toppings like grilled chicken, fruits, and vegetables.
- Oven fry – if you like the crunchy texture and taste of fried foods, you can enjoy those same foods, without harming your health, by oven frying your foods. Simply coat your foods, as usual, with breadcrumbs or flour, then coat with olive oil or vegetable oil on all sides; bake in oven at 350 degrees until food is done and coating is brown.
- Reduce portions – a key to managing your weight is to eat foods in moderation. By reducing your portions, you control the amount of calories you intake.
- Cook more – cooking your meals at home puts you in charge of your health. When you cook your own meals, you have the power to decide on what ingredients to use, and how much salt to add, if any — now, that’s power!
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