Image via Girl Interrupted Eating on Flickr
Now that the clocks have finally moved forward, we can say with relief that spring is here at last. For most, the coming of better weather and more daylight coincides with extra motivation to get things done – especially in terms of your health.
In part, it’s a matter of simple vanity – summer is, after all, the season for bikinis and shorts, so everyone is suddenly anxious to lose that extra bit of winter weight before exposing any skin. But many of us are also inspired by the surge of positivity and energy that increased sunshine brings. In any case, there are a number of simple steps you can take to spring clean your health – easy measures that won’t add to your daily stress, but will instead fit in perfectly with your spring lifestyle.
For starters, let’s look at your diet. After a long winter of stodgy fare, the warmer weather means you’ll no longer be feeling the need for heavy carbs and rich comfort foods – good news for your waistline. Embrace local, seasonal produce (visit your local farmers’ market for ideas) and enjoy light salads, spring greens, fish and grilled chicken. Try to drink more water, as you’ll need more fluids when the weather is warmer, and cut back on coffee in favour of green or herbal teas, or hot water and lemon. All of these measures will help detox your system and leave you feeling fresher and lighter in your summer clothes.
The longer days and nicer weather also encourage many people to get outside and enjoy the sun. Use this extra motivation to build incidental activity into your day. Go for a walk on your lunch break to stretch your legs and clear your mind, or get off the bus a few stops early and enjoy the peaceful walk. You’ll burn calories and feel more relaxed, all of which will improve your mood.
Brighter mornings might even inspire you to get up a bit earlier and sneak in a workout before your day even begins. Try an outdoor fitness class – there’s nothing like a run in the park or outdoor yoga to help you feel you’re making the most of the summer. Or get the family out together for a bike ride or game of football – it’s a great way to bond as a group and get a little extra fitness in your day.
As the winter layers start to come off, we begin to feel more in tune with our bodies, which makes the spring an excellent time for a general health check-up. Get any niggling health concerns seen to now, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your days of basking in the sun without any unnecessary weight on your mind. Use the get-up-and-go spirit of spring to take those extra steps toward getting healthy that you’ve been meaning to do for ages: focus on quitting smoking, having any suspicious moles checked, or getting a health insurance quote. Not only will you be doing your body a favour, but your mind will benefit from the satisfaction of reaching these goals.
For a little extra inspiration on how to use the good weather to health, check out our video playlist for some easy outdoor fitness ideas.
Are you making changes to get healthy this spring? What are your top spring fitness and diet tips?
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March 28, 2012
Health and Fitness