Spring-clean your eating habits!

Spring-clean your eating habits!

If spring-cleaning is on your to-do list for the month, why not clean up your eating habits, too? Start by fully emptying out your fridge and pantry so that you can see everything there. Then get rid of all heavily processed foods. That includes snacks, beverages, packaged meals, and condiments high in added sugars, added syrups, and unhealthy fats (think cookies, chips, dressings, and so on). Research has linked these ingredients to increased risk of chronic health problems. Restock with fresh fruit, vegetables, whole (not refined) grains, and protein sources such as Greek yogurt, nuts, and beans. Organization in the kitchen is key—using labels on shelves to identify what goes there and glass storage containers. If you must have less healthy items in the house, stash them in the back (or in the basement!) and place the healthiest foods front and center (studies show this really works!). After all, if you can’t see it, how will you eat it?