Healthy Eating Habits for Spring

Healthy Eating Habits for Spring

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and what better way to celebrate the season than by focusing on healthy eating habits? As the weather warms up and fresh produce becomes more readily available, spring presents the perfect opportunity to embrace a healthier diet. From incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables to trying out new recipes, there are many ways to develop healthy eating habits this season. 

In this blog, we'll explore some tips and tricks on how to nourish your body with healthy food options this Spring. Let's dive in and discover how you can have healthy eating habits and feel your best this season!

  1. Cut Back on These Foods

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is not among the healthy eating habits as it has negative effects on your liver, which is responsible for detoxifying your body. Additionally, it can lead to dehydration as it acts as a diuretic. To maintain proper hydration and liver function, it's recommended that women limit themselves to one drink per day, while men should stick to no more than two. For a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage option, consider mixing club soda with a splash of juice.

Added sugars

Frequently, soft drinks and processed foods contain concealed added sugars that can increase the likelihood of obesity and heart-related issues. To limit the intake of added sugars, the American Heart Association suggests that women consume no more than 6 teaspoons per day and men consume no more than 9 teaspoons. One 12-ounce can of regular soda typically contains about 8 teaspoons of sugar, making it easy to surpass the recommended limit. Instead of opting for sugary snacks, consider consuming fruits as a healthier alternative.

Salt

On average, Americans consume 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day. However, by reducing your daily intake by 1,000 milligrams, you could potentially decrease your chances of developing heart disease by up to 9%, as stated in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Refined grains

Refined products such as white flour and white rice lack essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it's important to carefully review food labels and select products that contain whole grains as the primary or secondary ingredient.

Processed foods

Pre-packaged meals that contain lengthy ingredient lists often include excessive amounts of sugars, salts, and harmful trans fats. It's best to avoid these products and instead, make an effort to incorporate more wholesome and nutritious whole foods into your diet.

  1. Incorporate seasonal produce into your diet

Spring is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, seasonal produce to enhance your healthy eating habits. Head to your local farmers' market and pick up some fresh asparagus, strawberries, artichokes, and leafy greens. These nutrient-dense foods will help to boost your immune system and provide you with the energy you need to enjoy the longer days.

  1. Prepare your meals in advance

Meal prepping is a great way to ensure that you're adapting to healthy eating habits, and nutritious meals throughout the week. Take some time on the weekend to plan out your meals for the week ahead and prepare them in advance. This will help you to avoid unhealthy fast foods when you're short on time during the week.

  1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Staying hydrated is essential in maintaining healthy eating habits, particularly as the temperatures rise during the warmer months. Adequate hydration helps to regulate body temperature, promote healthy digestion, and ensure the proper functioning of the kidneys, which play a crucial role in removing toxins and waste from the body. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay hydrated. 

Experts recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but individual needs may vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and activity level. If you find plain water unappealing, there are numerous ways to make it more flavorful and enjoyable. Adding fresh fruit, such as sliced lemons or berries, or herbs like mint or basil can add a refreshing twist to your water, without adding any extra sugar or calories. 

  1. Focus on whole foods

Processed foods can be high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Instead, focus on incorporating whole foods into your diet. Whole foods are foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

  1. Try new recipes

Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring! Spring is a great time to experiment with new recipes and flavors. Try making a colorful salad with fresh greens and seasonal veggies, or experiment with a new grain like quinoa or farro. The possibilities are endless!

  1. Fuel up for exercise

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and engage in outdoor activities, and it's important to fuel your body properly to get the most out of your workouts. One key factor in building and maintaining muscle is getting enough high-quality protein. Experts recommend adding 15 to 25 grams of protein to your post-workout meals to aid in muscle development and preservation. 

Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all of the essential amino acids that the body needs. They are also affordable, easy to prepare, and versatile, making them a great addition to any meal or snack. Whether scrambled, boiled, or baked, eggs can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes to help you meet your protein needs. 

Additionally, eggs are a nutrient-dense food, containing important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, choline, and selenium. By incorporating eggs into your diet, you can improve your overall health and support your fitness goals.

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy eating habits during spring is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. As the weather gets warmer, it's important to choose foods that are nutrient-dense and provide the energy needed for outdoor activities. Remember to check food labels carefully and opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables instead of highly processed foods. 

Additionally, for those looking for dining options, Lauderhill Mall offers a variety of restaurants with healthy meal options to fit any dietary preference. By making small changes to your diet and choosing healthier options, you can boost your energy levels and feel your best this spring.

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