Today I share easy ways to clean up your diet for spring on CBS Washington D.C., Great Day Washington!
Tip 1: Spring clean your beverages by replacing sugar sweetened options with nutrient-dense options
My first tip is to spring clean your beverages by replacing sugar-sweetened options with nutrient-dense options like 100% orange juice which contributes vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A common misconception about orange juice is that it’s jam-packed with added sugars when really it contains NO added sugars. The sweetness you taste is from naturally occurring sugars that develop as the oranges grow. With almost 90% water, it can also help you stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes like potassium, lost through sweat. I’ve added to my green orange Julius superfood smoothie.
Tip 2: Spring clean your snacks by focusing on protein and fiber
My next tip is to spring clean your snacks by focusing on protein and fiber. Bean-based snacks check both of those boxes. Try chickpea puffs, roasted chickpeas, chickpea chips or roasted broadens to get your snack with staying power and pair with fresh produce and nutritious dips.
Tip 3: Spring clean your meals by going plant based
Plant-based foods are naturally lower in saturated fat and sodium and higher in nutrients that many of us don’t get enough of like fiber which is important for digestive and heart health, as well as phytonutrients which may help slow down the aging process.
Tip 4: Spring clean your desserts with naturally sweet options
My final tip is to spring clean your desserts with naturally sweet options like my single serve fruit crumbles topped with quark instead of ice cream, which is a cultured dairy staple popular in Europe and Central Asia. Unlike Greek yogurt, quark is naturally non-tart, and has a smooth creamy, thick texture. Plus it adds protein and calcium to make it a dessert with benefits.
