How To Spring Clean Your Diet The Right Way

Spring has officially arrived and, along with it, the urge to clean out, refresh, and renew. In addition to packing up your sweaters and doing a deep cleaning, the start of a new season is also a great time to reevaluate your current eating habits.

Between the holidays and the cold months of winter, it’s not uncommon to wind up eating more sugar and processed foods than you normally would. But now’s the time to take stock and make some simple adjustments to ensure your diet is going to help you feel as vibrant and energized as the coming warm weather. Check out the simple tips to spring clean your diet below to get started! 

15 Simple Ways To Spring Clean Your Diet

Skip Cleanses & Detoxes

While it can be tempting to get a jump start by following a strict cleanse or detox, these “quick fixes” rarely result in any meaningful or lasting change. In fact, it’s more likely that restricting yourself in such a way will backfire. Instead, focus on incorporating whole, unprocessed foods into your diet (more on that below) in order to set yourself up for long term success. 

Cut Back On Sugar

It’s no secret that the holiday season is also the season of sugary treats. And while there’s nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence, when it becomes a daily part of your diet it can start to add up. Take a look at your diet and try to find places where you can start to minimize or eliminate the amount of sugar you’re eating. And if you find yourself craving a sweet pick-me-up every day, give Cacao Bliss a try. Its chocolatey flavor can satisfy that sweet craving without all the sugar while the blend of superfoods will actually help your body combat cravings. *

Shop The Perimeter

One of the easiest ways to guarantee you're eating the things that make your body feel good is by only buying those items to begin with. By sticking to the perimeter of the grocery store while you shop, you’ll be getting all the nutrient-dense whole foods and avoiding all the processed and packaged foods. 

Eat Healthy Fats

Fat is a vital nutrient to every cell in your body and also helps you feel fuller, longer, so you’re less likely to snack. Try to incorporate healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and hummus into every meal. And if you do need a snack, give a handful of raw, unsalted nuts a try to get a dose of healthy fats, protein, and fiber all in one. Just don't forget to practice portion control. 

Include Protein With Every Meal

Much like healthy fat, eating a sufficient amount of protein helps to increase levels of the satiety and reduce the level of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Plus, eating protein can actually help boost your metabolism. Make sure you’re including high-quality protein with every meal and snack. Collagen Peptides can be easily added to things like smoothies, baked goods, yogurt, and other snacks for a super-simple way to add more clean protein into your diet. * 

Eat More Produce 

Eliminating things from your diet can sometimes feel limiting and restrictive. So, instead, focus on adding more fruits and vegetables into your diet every day. Veggies are nutritious and filling with a fraction of the calories of more processed foods. And fresh fruit can help satisfy sweet cravings while also providing antioxidant and nutrients. Next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on your favorites and even give some new vegetables a try. 

Snack Smarter

Sometimes, you just need a snack. And if you’re being intentional with your snacking, it’s rarely a problem. But if you find yourself grazing throughout the day, you could be eating far more calories that you realize. Instead, be mindful about your snacks and be sure to keep healthy options on hand. And if you’re craving a sweet snack, a mug of Cacao Bliss has you covered. It’s naturally sweetened with monk fruit, so it won’t adversely affect your blood sugar, and it’s filled with body-nourishing ingredients that will give you a boost of natural energy and mental clarity. *

Skip The Nightcap

Another common holdover from the holiday season is the nightcap. But in addition to adding empty calories to your diet, alcohol can actually mess with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. And if you’re tired and groggy during the day, you’re less likely to make healthy choices. Instead, opt for herbal tea or a mug of Golden Superfood Bliss. It’s a slightly sweet, satisfying drink that will help you slip into stress-free comfort and can actually improve your sleep. *

Cook At Home More

Dining out can be a fun treat and takeout may seem convenient but the fact is you’re eating larger portions of lower-quality food when you eat out. Plus, it’s considerably more expensive. Instead, commit to eating at home more. A great way to make it easier to skip the takeout is by meal prepping on the weekend. If you’ve already got the elements of a healthy dinner ready to go — like cooked chicken, brown rice, and some roasted veggies — you’ll be able to whip up a healthy meal in less time than it would take to order delivery. 

Up Your Herb Game

Now that you’re eating at home more, it’s time to get creative with herbs. Herbs and spices are a great way to add loads of flavor to your meal with little to no added calories. Try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil on your salad. Toss a bunch of thyme or rosemary in with your chicken while you marinate it. Find a spice you’ve never used before and give it a try. You might just find a new favorite. 

Go Meatless Once A Week

A plant-based diet has been shown to support health in a number of ways. But that doesn’t mean you need to eliminate meat entirely. Skipping meat even once (or twice!) a week is a great way to get more plant-based protein and vegetables into your diet. And remember, simply skipping the meat isn’t the goal. You want to add more variety, so be sure to up the veggies and include a protein source like legumes, lentils, or tofu. 

Reassess Serving Sizes

Getting familiar with serving sizes is one of the best ways to manage your calorie intake. It’s not uncommon for serving sizes to creep up during the winter months, which makes spring the perfect time to readjust. A simple hack is to use your hand as a guide: a portion of meat should be the size of your palm, a side of starch/carbs should be the size of your fist, a cupped hand is about the size of a snack, your thumb is about two tablespoons, and your fingertip is about a teaspoon. Another trick is to serve food on smaller plates because it helps the mind feel more satisfied with smaller amounts of food. 

Clean Out The Pantry

Set yourself up for success by removing temptation. Go through your pantry and clean out all the processed foods and snacks that you know aren’t serving your goals. If you don’t keep these foods on hand, you’re a lot less likely to mindlessly snack when the mood strikes. And then, while you’re shopping the perimeter, stock up on wholesome foods and snacks to replace the items you eliminated. 

Drink More Water

It’s one of the most common health tips for a reason. Water is critical to the proper functioning of every organ in your body. Plus, it’s calorie-free. And drinking your calories is one of the fastest ways to go overboard. Add in at least one more glass of water, still or sparkling, every day. And if you find water boring, feel free to jazz it up with a squeeze of citrus, some fresh herbs, or even some fresh fruit. 

Manage Stress

While this might not be directly related to diet, it’s still incredibly important. Being chronically stressed can have a negative impact on your food choices and the way your body metabolizes the foods you eat. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself every day to relax and unwind. It doesn’t have to be much, even 15 minutes of mindful relaxation can make a difference. And if you want to give your self-care moment a boost, consider incorporating Golden Superfood Bliss. This superfood blend can help fight occasional anxiety, balance stress, and lower cortisol levels. *

If making changes to your diet has you feeling a bit overwhelmed, just remember to start small. Every healthy change makes a difference and has a cumulative effect over time. Start by adding in healthy snacks, like Cacao Bliss, which is packed with ingredients that help curb cravings, support healthy metabolism, and support a healthy inflammatory response. And start adding a scoop of Collagen Peptides to your smoothies and healthy snacks to make sure you’re getting enough clean protein in your diet. Snag both of these nourishing products here! *

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.