Spring Clean Your Health
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March 11, 2024
Spring forward is here! In the Pacific Northwest, this means longer days, blooming landscapes and the perfect time for a fresh start. Whether relishing outdoor activities, revamping fitness routines, or opting for locally sourced produce, spring is the ideal time to plant the seeds of well-being and watch them grow into lasting, healthy habits.
Fuse Fitness and Fun
- Take exercise outside. Go on a hike, a walk in the park or for a bike ride.
- If you have spine or joint pains related to biking or running, consider getting a professional assessment. A professional running or bike fitting assessment can help prevent overuse injuries, reduce pain and improve form.
- Add two days a week of strength training to your routine to tone muscles, slow muscle loss and improve balance.
- Ask a friend to join you for some healthy competition or sign up for a group class at your local gym, senior center or YMCA.
Out with the Old
- Remove expired and unhealthy foods from your kitchen.
- Open your windows and let the fresh air in.
- Clean out closets by getting rid of things you haven’t used in a year.
Fresh is Best
Spring also presents an opportunity to freshen up your diet. Grill lean cuts of meat or fish outdoors. Eat a meal in your backyard or go for a picnic, and take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Spring produce is plentiful at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets, which means a lower price for you.
Spring’s seasonal fruits and vegetables include:
- Red: Radishes, red apples, rhubarb and strawberries.
- Orange: Apricots and carrots.
- Yellow: Bananas, pineapple, lemons and yellow apples.
- Green: Asparagus, avocados, broccoli, cabbage, celery, collard greens, herbs, green apples, kale, kiwi, lettuce, limes, peas, spinach and Swiss chard.
- White: Garlic, mushrooms, onions and turnips.
Nutritionists recommend at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day. Spring’s abundance will help you reach that goal. Add some color to your plate—find an Eastside farmers' market near you.
