Spring cleaning can totally apply to your diet. And no, we’re not talking about going on a 28-day “juice detox.” (Don’t do it!)
There are plenty of ways to put healthy foods on your plate that will help maximize your body’s ability to cleanse itself naturally. In other words, these foods support your liver, kidneys, and GI tract and deliver lots of nutrients your body needs to get into tip-top shape.
RELATED: These Are the Fruits and Vegetables in Season During Spring
Here are four simple steps to spring clean your diet by choosing the right delicious, fresh foods. Check out her advice to thrive all season, below.
How to Spring Clean Your Diet
1. Eat antioxidant-rich foods
Antioxidants are known for their association with reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer. But overall, they’re good at reducing inflammation in your body, and less inflammation means all of your systems—digestion, immunity, etc.—are going to work more efficiently. Spring foods like artichokes, spinach, onions, and strawberries are all high in antioxidants.
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2. Fill up on fiber
Fiber is key to digestion because it helps keep things moving through your GI tract. Veggies are the best source of fiber; think beets, peas, broccoli, and avocado. Bonus: avocados also contain an antioxidant called glutathione, which helps keep your liver—the main detox organ—healthy.
RELATED: 7 Creative Avocado Recipes That Don’t Include Toast or Tacos
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3. Eat high-water volume foods
Yes, you should be drinking water 24-7, but you can also get water from the foods you eat. So many of the body’s processes depend on water, and you need it to flush out waste and keep digestion humming. Foods that are water-heavy include watermelon, peppers, and cauliflower. Another surprising source of water? Coffee! And we all know coffee can help digestion along, too.
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4. Prioritize probiotics
Probiotics, AKA good bacteria, are key to good gut health. And one great way to get more in your diet without supplementing is to eat fermented, or probiotic, foods. Think Greek yogurt, Kefir, and sauerkraut. No, these aren’t necessarily “spring foods,” but eating them might just put a spring in your step.
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