It’s that wonderful time of year. Flowers are blooming, trees are budding, birds are singing, and folks are talking about planting their gardens. It’s the season to turn over a new leaf, starting with you and your habits. How is your health? Are you putting your best forward? Jump start your health this spring with healthy steps on your cancer journey.
Set a goal.
Choose a healthy habit that you want to achieve. Start with a habit or food choice that really interests you. What sounds fun to your taste buds or lifts your spirits? It could be walking through the local park, trying a new recipe each week, taking lessons (cooking, tennis, Frisbee golf, etc.). Make a plan to spring into action!
Get social.
Use social media to get information and support for a walking club, planting a garden, or finding the closest farmer’s market. See what’s available in your area for spring activities like community fairs, agriculture expos, and recreational opportunities. Join in!
Clean up.
Set a date and clean out the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Ask family members or friends to join in the cleaning. Throw out foods that are expired, and donate food that you don’t want to a food bank. All those winter foods that we thought we wanted need to go to make room for fresh, seasonal choices. Time for spring cleaning!
Keep your eye on the prize.
When adopting a new food habit, go for the long view. The positive effect of healthy food habits is over time, not just for a week. Take your time to build a new habit that appeals to you like adding a veggie to your lunch, using whole grains, or eating fruit at work three days a week. Once you’ve practiced that habit for 21 days it’ll be second nature to you. The prize of good wholesome fiber and nutrition will be yours!
Get fresh.
Choose foods that are in season now. You’ll get the best flavor for the best price when you buy foods in season. Depending on where you live, the seasonal produce could be strawberries, green leafy vegetables, artichokes, avocados, beets, carrots, beans, limes, sweet onions, and cherries just to name a few.
Get busy and celebrate spring with all its bounty! Pack in all the fresh foods and new flavors you can to boost your energy and strength. As Christie Brinkley once said, “Adopting a really positive attitude can work wonders to adding years to your life, a spring to your step, a sparkle to your eye, and all of that.”
