Spring is Here - Staying the Course When Seasons Shift

Staying the Course When Seasons Shift 

“It’s about time”, as we breathe a sigh of relief. 

Just when it seemed that Winter wouldn’t relinquish its grip, Spring is here, offering us a break from the cold, and it seems to put a smile on everyone’s face and a little “spring” in all of our steps. In a lot of ways, eating healthy is easier in the spring when fresh veggies are making a comeback and farmer’s markets reopen their doors. But the reality is that every season has its challenges, and there are certainly some things in spring which can serve as roadblocks if you let them.

Of course spring is great for produce, and most people find that their bodies don’t crave heavy comfort foods as much as they do in the winter months. We also feel like it’s easier to get outside and get moving in warmer weather so we might feel a little lighter and brighter on warmer days.  

And because we all start to come out of our shells, there’s more social interaction in spring. Our calendars start to fill up with pickleball dates and dinners out and cocktails, and while it’s really great to be more social, it can also be easy to be mindlessly snacking at all these outings. 

This week, here are four tips for staying true to your PFC3 lifestyle when the seasons (and our habits) start to change. 

• Take a look at the menu ahead of time. 

Take a peek at the menu where you’ll be dining, and try to come up with an option that meets your needs and sounds delicious to you - while you’re still at home. With a glass of wine or a martini in hand, your impulse control is diminished, and it can be a little tougher to make the right decision, so make it easy for yourself and find an option that you love that won’t leave you feeling icky the next day. 

• Limit your drinks throughout the night. 

There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a cocktail on a night out, but treat yourself to one or two instead of indulging all night long. Alcohol will make it tougher to stick with your original plan for the rest of the night, and you might regret going off track later. It can also dehydrate your body and leave you feeling sluggish the next day. 

While you’re drinking, alternate alcoholic beverages with water. I like to order a large bottle of sparkling water with lime so that i’ve always got a non-alcoholic option at hand. This strategy will help you stay hydrated and prevent you from drinking more than you really meant to. 

• Get right back on track after a great night out. 

Sometimes, you just really want to go out, have a red light meal, and enjoy whatever food and drinks you want. If you’ve decided that you’re going to go all out for your night out, that’s totally fine! I never want you to feel guilty for enjoying great food. 

The key here is to get right back to green light meals–not the next day, not the next week, but the very next meal. That way, you can enjoy every minute of your night out knowing that it’s just one meal and won’t make or break your goals. 

• Find options with seasonal produce. 

While you’re browsing the menu, look for options that mention seasonal veggies. Seasonal produce is often picked locally, so you can pack whatever dish you’re enjoying with as many nutrients as possible!

Spring is such a fun season, and I’m really enjoying having warmer weather and more outdoor time this month. I hope you’re also able to enjoy fresh veggies, outings with friends, and sunshine this month!

What’s your favorite part of spring? 

About the Author:
Dawn is a Wellness Strategist and Nutrition Evangelist.  She has been living, loving, and teaching the PFC3 lifestyle for over a dozen years. Current loves - her family, pickleball, travel, and a fine meal! Find her on IG @dmnutrition