Summer Clean Your Diet

By Donna Stark

Sunshine, backyard barbeques, and the ever-present smell of coconut on everyone you meet are all tell-tale signs that summer is here! And although spring is the season that has the reputation for cleaning and clearing out, don’t let yourself stop there. Summer is also a great time to do some cleaning, especially when it comes to your diet.

Summer Clean Your Diet

With our bodies being exposed more than any other season in the year, summer is the perfect time to focus on what we put in them. Here are some tips on how to clean up your diet.

• Pantry purge – Cleaning up your diet starts at home, and more specifically, your pantry. Take a gander at what you have stocked on your shelves and then immediately start to eliminate those things that certainly aren’t doing you any favors. Ditch the leftover Easter candy (you know there is still some sitting there), the sugary cereals, and the half-eaten bag of fire-roasted, neon orange, super spicy cheese puffs. And don’t forget about the fridge either! Purge it all to make room for fresh, nutrient dense foods.
• Summertime produce - Now that you’ve purged the junk from your pantry, it’s time to head to the farmers markets and roadside vegetable stands. Fill your pantry and refrigerator with local fresh fruits and vegetables. Buy a bunch and prep them so you have ready-to-eat healthy snacks for the entire week. Keep them at eye-level or on the counter to serve as a daily reminder to eat them first and to use them before they go bad.
• Healthy portions – This can be hard to focus on, especially if you are at your mom’s backyard barbeque and she made all of your childhood favorites. But remember, having too much of a good thing really isn’t a good thing to have in this scenario. Keep your portions in check. It’s easy if you think about it this way: one-fourth of your plate should be filled with protein, one-fourth filled with good carbohydrates, and the remaining half should be full of greens and fresh veggies. Add some fruit for dessert and you will be good to go!
• Brunch binges - Now that patios are open and morning temps are perfect, the time to brunch is here. And although a plate of greasy bacon and syrup-laden French toast may tempt your tummy, pay no attention to those cravings! What your body really needs is fresh food packed with nutrients, so opt for eggs, fruit, whole grain toast, and some steamed veggies. You may also want to turn down the fancy latte and stick to a cup of straight coffee to get your day started on the right foot.

Summer cleaning your diet is a great way to head into this wonderful season of family barbeques and fun-filled vacations. Start today. You won’t be sorry!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in La Verne, Calif.