Set yourself up for a healthy spring and summer

It’s that time of year…

The sun is shining a few more hours each day, and spring showers bring colourful flowers and green leaves to the trees.

If you’re feeling motivated to spring clean your home, it’s also the perfect season to take stock of your nutrition and exercise plan and ensure proper weight management.

You can do this by implementing some easy, new habits to make your mind and body feel great.

Make room for spring fruits and veggies. Out with the winter comfort foods and in with the wide variety of seasonal produce jammed with flavour and nutrients. Packed with fibre to keep you fuller longer, grab local options like berries, stone fruits, asparagus, and squash from your local farmers’ markets.

Make one healthy change a day. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to build new habits, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Try making one healthy tweak each day or even one per week. Whether it’s having an extra serving of fruit or veggies at each meal, swapping out mid-afternoon potato chips for the healthier option of nuts, or walking your dog for 10 minutes more, every little change helps. Try meditating for five minutes per day to relieve stress and boost your productivity.

Make your way outside. Outdoor exercise, whether it be walking, running, cycling, or any other activity, is proven to provide a mental boost that you won’t get indoors. Combine that with ease of access, zero to low cost, and the added Vitamin D, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Outdoor bonus: as the weather gets warmer, your body will work harder to regulate your temperature and burn more calories.

Make muscle building a priority. As we get older, it’s harder to build muscle. Adding or increasing the amount of strength training you’re doing will have incredible benefits now and for the long-term. One of the best ways to support muscle building is with proper nutrition, including the right amount of protein. Try Ocean’s sustainably caught, ocean-friendly tuna for an easy and convenient clean protein option. And remember to consult a fitness expert or doctor for professional nutrition and exercise guidance.

Sources:
https://www.health.com/weight-loss/spring-weight-loss
https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/986111/nutrition-tips-for-spring/
https://www.consumerreports.org/diet-nutrition/eat-healthier-this-spring/
https://www.eatright.org/fitness/training-and-recovery/building-muscle/strength-building-and-muscle-mass