Spring into Health!

Roxane Cummings, Rural Health & Nutrition Agent

Spring is the perfect time to start or resume a few healthy habits. Healthy living does not need to be complicated or restrictive. In fact, incorporating just three simple habits can lead to positive results. What steps do you need to take to “spring” into health?

First, eat real food. Nature is filled with amazing food that is good for us and tastes good, too. From fruits and vegetables to whole grains, beans, and nuts, these foods provide all the essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. Spring is the perfect time to adopt an “eat real food” mentality! Fresh fruits and vegetables will be in abundance and these foods can be purchased or grown economically. Moreover, real foods should be eaten closest to the way they are grown. For example, it is much better to eat an apple rather than an apple flavored fruit bar. Also, become a label reader. Check out the ingredients list. Typically, the fewer the ingredients, the more nutritious the food. If the list includes ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, then that is probably not the healthiest choice. Most “real foods” are found on the perimeter of the grocery store. Another way to incorporate real foods to order a FoodShare box. These produce boxes are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices, and now there is a “NO COOK” option that includes produce which does not require cooking before eating. How convenient is that! See the link below to place an order.

The second habit that is easy to incorporate is to drink more water. As the temperatures rises this spring, it will be important to increase water intake. When thirsty, many people are in the habit of reaching for sweetened beverages such as soda, sweet tea or a sports drink. These sugar-filled, choices are easy to consume and are high in calories; however, these drinks provide few, if any, nutrients. The high sugar and sodium content contributes to weight gain, chronic diseases, and tooth decay. In contrast, water is not only inexpensive and readily available, but it is also thirst- quenching and contains no calories! Most importantly, our bodies need water to function properly. Water provides many benefits including preventing dehydration, cushioning our joints, and carrying nutrients to our cells. If drinking plain water is a challenge, try adding some orange slices, strawberries, or even watermelon to give the water a natural flavor. Taking a reusable water bottle to work or when running errands is another way to add more water each day.

The third habit is simply to move more and sit less.  So much of our day is spent in front of screens or riding in the car. We need to be intentional about incorporating movement into our daily routines. This means scheduling breaks to get up and move, taking the stairs, or parking further away from the destination. Warmer spring weather is a catalyst to get outside and get moving! Gardening, yard work, or simply going for a walk all count. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Being active reduces the risk of heart problems, increases muscle mass, helps with weight management, and improves general wellbeing. Even short periods of activity can have health benefits. Choose a fun activity, find a friend, and get outside.

Let this spring be a season of new beginnings that lead to better health and better living. Choose real foods over boxed or process foods, replace those sweetened beverages with glass of refreshing water, and get up and get moving! Small changes add up to big benefits.

Click here to learn more about FoodShare or to order a FoodShare box filled with fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.