5 Healthy Kitchen Habits To Start This Spring
Every year when Springtime arrives I feel this surge in energy. I feel more excited about life and also about working towards my health and wellness goals. At the start of Spring I like to take a few minutes to jot down some of my goals around my health and wellbeing. One thing that is always on my list is to focus on nourishing my body through wholesome foods.
Healthy eating is something that can have a major impact on your health and wellbeing. When you take care of yourself by eating a diet rich in whole foods and one without processed foods you will feel and see the difference.
When it comes to healthy eating habits I do believe that everything begins in your home kitchen. Your home kitchen is the place where you have the most control over what goes on your plate and into your body. This is where you can create the most change.
Spring is the perfect time to start creating healthier eating habits in the kitchen. Most of us have a new vibrant energy and are ready for change as the warmth of the new season arrives. Open the windows, add some lavender and lemon essential oils to a diffuser, pull out a notebook and pen and cozy up as I walk you through 5 habits to add to your routine.
clean up your space and bring in a bouquet of fresh flowers
Everything begins with a clean and organized kitchen. If your space is chaotic then most likely your mind and wellness practices will reflect that. An organized environment that is free of clutter, broken devices, mismatched items and unhealthy or expired products is something that can make healthy home cooking more accessible and enjoyable. When your space is organized with healthy items easily accessible and “not so healthy” items out of sight you will find that it is much easier to eat and cook healthier. I also recommend making your kitchen more inviting by adding fresh cut flowers and decorate a shelf with a favorite mug and cookbook. Your kitchen should reflect your goals and it should also be an inviting space that makes you feel calm and excited to cook. Go peek into your kitchen now and take inventory. Then jot down a to do list in your notebook for cleaning out your kitchen, organizing your kitchen and what you want to add to your kitchen.
shop local for fresh seasonal items
This time of year the markets are bursting with fresh local Spring produce. At your local farmers market you will find carrots, beets, lettuce, radishes, green onion and many more seasonal items. When you shop for local and seasonal produce you are getting the best quality. Seasonal produce, because it is grown in the ideal conditions, will taste better and it will contain more vitamins and nutrients. If you’ve ever had a peach or watermelon outside of summertime then you know the difference in taste as well as texture- those fruits always taste better in the summer and the same is true for all other produce. Typically you can find local produce in stores if you don’t have a local farmers market available to you. In your notebook make a list of seasonal and nourishing foods to buy for the week ahead as well as some seasonal meals you would like to try this Spring.
bring in fresh herbs
This is the time of year for fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, parsley, basil, mint, etc. Herbs have incredible health properties but they also help elevate any meal. Just by topping some fresh minced herbs onto your dinners and salads you can add more vitamins and nutrients as well as more flavor and color. You can also easily start an at home herb garden either outdoors or indoors.
shift from roasting vegetables to steamed or blanched vegetables
I love roasting vegetables for a quick and easy dinner, however this time of year I love to steam or blanch them to lighten things up. Steaming or blanching your vegetables offers a lighter approach to eating. Lightly steaming or blanching your vegetables helps to preserve most of the vitamins and nutrients in the plant plus they are quick and easy cooking techniques. Once cooked just add a pinch of salt and a light drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil and serve along side some brown rice or quinoa with protein.
prep a big batch of a spring salad weekly
This is a fabulous meal prep idea if you are too busy to prep lunch every day. Just prep a big batch of salad in a bowl with seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as protein. Then on the side prep a big batch of your favorite homemade dressing. Then you will have a healthy nourishing salad to eat for lunch during the week.