No need to spring clean your diet
Small, sustainable steps are the way to go
Spring is finally here! If you’re anything like me, your to-do list may look a little daunting right now as we prepare for the months ahead. And even though there are plenty of tasks we should do at the beginning of the season, spring cleaning your diet is not one of them.
Instead of jumping on the latest 30-day food cleanse, consider focusing on creating sustainable changes to your diet that will benefit you for years to come. Making healthy behaviour changes is not something that comes easy and it definitely takes longer than 30 days to accomplish. Look to make small, sustainable changes to your diet and consider the following tips.
FOCUS ON FRESH WHEN POSSIBLE
One of my favourite things about springtime is the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are coming into season. Some of the crops I am most looking forward to in the next month or two include asparagus, fresh leafy greens and rhubarb.
Now, I know it can be difficult to fill our carts with fresh foods while at the grocery store for a few reasons. The good news is that frozen fruits and veggies are a great alternative to fresh, as they’re frozen at their peak ripeness and equally nutritious.
EAT A VARIETY OF FOODS
Incorporating a wide variety of foods into our diet poses many great benefits for our health. Not only does this ensure we obtain a variety of nutrients necessary for good health, but it can also make meals and snacks more interesting by including different flavours and textures.
To ensure you’re eating a variety of foods at each meal, be sure to follow the balanced plate method. Ideally, a well- balanced plate will be half fruits and veggies, one-quarter whole grains and starches and one-quarter protein.
PRACTISE MINDFUL EATING
Next time you sit down to enjoy a meal, try to pay attention to how the food you’re eating makes you feel. By doing so, you will be engaging in mindful eating. Mindful eating can help you make healthier choices more often, obtain greater pleasure from the foods you eat, become more conscious about your eating habits and promote better digestion.
SPEAK WITH A DIETITIAN
Dietitians understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to food and nutrition. If you’re looking to make sustainable changes to your diet to improve your health, consider meeting with a registered dietitian to obtain practical, personalized and evidence-based nutrition advice and support in achieving your health-related goals.
Megan Thompson is a registered dietitian with Dominion stores in St. John’s and Bay Roberts. She is also currently providing virtual services to the Corner Brook/ Stephenville area. Do you have a nutrition health goal in mind? Contact her at 709-685-7742, megan.thompson@loblaw.ca or book online at bookadietitian.ca. All in-store group events and presentations have been cancelled until further notice.