This post was just shared on the cocoandcowe blog, but I feel it's such a hot topic right now given that it's springtime, so I wanted to make sure I shared it on my blog too! And what better time to clean up your eating habits than now?

Spring Clean Your Eating Habits

It’s always this time of the year when we feel just a tad bit more motivated to say no to a second serving of dessert and yes to more kale and quinoa. Baggy, but trendy, boyfriend jeans can do a good job at hiding some of our winter indulgences, but with summer just around the corner there is no better time than now to clean up your eating habits. Let’s keep it simple and break it down to the only 5 tips you need to know to do just that:

Say Sayonara to Sweets.

Without taking a deep dive into the importance of blood sugar regulation, just know it plays a role in everything from cholesterol to energy levels. We want to keep your blood sugar stable, so sideline the sweet stuff. A high intake of sugar is linked to several diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

Suggestion: Instead of sugary treats, opt for fresh fruit, dried fruit or even try date paste using 1:1 for any liquid sweetener.

Eat Whole Foods.

Sounds simple enough, so start by shopping the perimeter of your grocery store. There you’ll find the freshest foods including produce, meat, seafood and eggs. In addition, make sure you’re eating enough protein! It’s particularly important for a high-functioning metabolism. Fruits and veggies should also be a top priority as they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.

Suggestion: if you shop a lot in the inner aisles of your grocery store, make sure you read the labels carefully. Check out the listed ingredients and if there are some questionable ones, then consider another option.

Get an Oil Change.

Not just for your car, but for your pantry! Healthy fats and oils are critical for good health right down to the cellular level. Supporting your metabolism, immunity, hormone production and nutrient absorption are just a few reasons why we need healthy fats in our eating regimen!

Suggestion: replace your vegetable, corn or canola oil with extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil.

Water is Life.

Drink lots and then drink some more. H20 supports healthy digestion, weight loss and helps to flush out toxins. Cheers to that!

Suggestion: aim to drink 8-10 glasses a day. Diffuse lemon or other fruits in your water to change it up for your taste buds.

The Mind is Everything.

If there is only one tip you remember from this list, make it this one. It’s important to change your mindset because this isn’t about a “diet”. This is about changing your lifestyle, leading to long-term health benefits that reach far beyond the next few weeks of spring and summer.

Suggestion: stop weighing yourself on the scale and instead use how you feel as a way to motivate yourself to keep going.

Once you start to implement these 5 tips into your everyday routine, you will see (and feel) a positive difference in your health just in time for summer. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself because life happens … and pizza and wine happens too. The key is to get yourself right back on track with spring cleaning your eating habits, so that your new lifestyle choices feel natural and easy. You will get there and when you do, you won’t look back at your old ways!