Despite the looming “Snowquester” about to allegedly descend upon DC, I am still cheerfully optimistic spring is right about the corner. Spring means sundresses, breaking out shorts and finally taking your Jacks out of the shoe box for a spin. We’re all anticipating spring cleaning but what about spring clean eating? With those aforementioned sundresses, I want to do a spring cleaning of my diet so I will look as fresh as the tulips and daffodils. Like all good plans, I set some guidelines:
Fruits & Veggies: I love meat as much as the next carnivore but try to keep the red meat to a minimum. Instead, pile your plate with leafy, dark greens and vegetables! As you know, I am a major proponent of oven roasting vegetables: {here}, {here} and {here}. It’s a simple yet delicious way to add veggies to any dish. Fruits make wonderful snacks, especially if you have a late night sweet tooth like yours truly!
Drink Water: I keep my 24 oz Tervis at my desk and I honestly believe having the tumbler with a straw increases my intake of water. I drink it so quickly I’m always amazed to see it’s time for a refill. Your body is mostly composed of water, replenish it. Lemon water is helpful for balancing your body’s pH and if you’re a struggling Diet Coke lover like myself, it gives water a boost.
Exercise: Now, I’ll be honest. I have been really bad at exercising lately. I love to walk but with winter hibernation, my exercise fell to the wayside. Pick up an exercise you love and stick with it. DC is a town of runners but I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, I like the elliptical and following along to yoga tutorials on YouTube.
Snack Healthy: I do enjoy snacking. There, I said. It’s out there for all to see. I like a good afternoon snack with a crunch. For those with an affinity for the crunch, pack along carrots or celery (I’m more of a carrots gal). You want your snack to be healthy but one that does not spoil your appetite. My other favorite snacks include Fiber One bars, granola bars and Progresso soup, particularly their Garden Vegetable and Minestrone options. It takes off the hunger without weighing you down or ruining your dinner later.
Write It Down: Healthy eating is all about accountability. I write down every penny I spend throughout the day on my budget sheet…so why not do the same for every bite? I also find that writing down what you eat also helps you balance your meals for the day. I had angel hair pasta with oven roasted tomatoes and pesto for lunch? Looks like I’ll be having a dinner emphasizing protein and veggies! Oh wait, I ate 2 brownies in a sweet tooth moment of weakness? I acknowledge it, adjust the rest of your meals for the day accordingly and move on with my day. As my girl Anne of Green Gables says, “Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.”
Do you have clean eating tips? Please share!
Keep up with DC Girl in Pearls: Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram
Great post! I feel as though I need to put myself through a clean-eating regime right now. Being a full time student and full time marketing coordinator has established poor eating habits and a high caffeine intake. Oops!!