You know that feeling you get when you finish spring cleaning your house? Everything seems fresh and new, and you’ve suddenly got tons of energy to take on the world. You’ve swapped those dark winter days for fresh, sunny ones. Well, with just a few simple changes, you can get that same boost by spring cleaning your body.
That doesn’t mean weeks of juice cleanses that leave you hungry and cranky. Instead, you can make small, healthy changes in your day that will make a big difference over time. SodaStream gave us these five great tips for getting started.
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You’ve probably noticed that more and more farmers’ markets are popping up across the country. There’s a reason for that; the local produce is generally cheaper and fresher. Consider swapping your store-bought fruits and veggies for organic alternatives, your liver will thank you for not having to process all those pesticides! Start adding your 5-a-days to every meal and snack you eat during the course of the day. The best way to do this is to pair a protein with produce. Wanting toast for brekkie? Top it with an egg and some avocado slices. Feeling snackish midmorning? A slice of low-fat cheese and a fresh apple will do the trick.
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Spring cleaning the house shouldn’t stop at the pantry! Take a stand against all the chemical-filled, high-fructose snacks in your kitchen. Yeah, it’ll be hard when you get to that half-eaten packet of crisps, or that slab of chocolate you’ve been hiding under the sink, but knowing that there is nothing in your house to tempt you will be worth it. A good rule to remember: If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, DON’T eat it. Why not try making your own snacks and desserts? The prep will take a bit more time, but at least you’ll know what you’re eating… and it will taste better too!
3 Give your drinks a makeover
It’s time to say goodbye to caffeinated sodas and sugary juices; water is your best friend when it comes to cleansing. We know that having to drink tons of a (pretty much tasteless) liquid can get kind of dull. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to jazz it up while keeping all its hydrating benefits. SodaStream, for example, is a great way to make your drink more exciting; add some bubbles and flavour to your water with their refreshing Summer Lemon or Cranberry Raspberry. Sparkling water is just as healthy as still water, but it somehow just makes it seem ‘more special’. Try tossing some fresh sliced cucumber or blackberries into your water, or a slice of lemon or mixed berries.
4 Make your salads pop
Like water, salads are a healthy-eating staple that also tend to get a little boring over time. Mix things up with some unexpected ingredients to add texture, extra nutrition and fun. If you’re not feeling up to experimenting, here are some new ingredients you can throw in with the lettuce leaves tonight: Sunflower seeds, sliced grapes or strawberries, pita chips, brown rice, chopped steamed broccoli, garbanzo beans, walnuts, fennel slices, fresh herbs, orange slices…
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When you’re freshening up your diet, you might be surprised at how a little bit of something can go a long way. For dessert, choose a high-quality square of dark chocolate and some indulgent fruit, like a pear. Cutting back on sugar helps to spring clean your body, but these small indulgences will keep you satisfied and on track over the long haul.
Want to go ‘full detox’ mode? Try these 3 delicious detox recipes.
