As we enter the transition between seasons it’s natural to reassess how we’re feeling in our bodies, examine what we’re eating and make changes according to our needs. Traditionally, autumn is a time for cleansing in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, and naturally many of us benefit from eating lighter during this time as we prepare to enter the colder months ahead.
If you’re in that camp and would benefit from incorporating some healthy habits, here are five tips to cleaning up your diet. These are tried and true tips that are simple and easy to incorporate into your daily life.
1. Drink More Water!
Our bodies are mostly made up of water, every organ needs water to function, and water is necessary to flush toxins and extra stuff we don’t need out of our systems. Yet, many of us don’t drink enough of it. The average adult needs to drink at least 2 litres of water a day – sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on a variety of factors like how much they weigh, how active they are as well as the climate.
Drinking more water and proper hydration allows the body to function the way it is supposed to. Some benefits may include feeling more satiated, more energy, healthy digestion and clearer skin. Tell us, do you think you’re drinking enough water?
2. Hot Lemon Water
Speaking of water, what about hot lemon water? Drinking hot water with fresh lemon juice first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) helps hydrate the body more quickly and improves digestion. Doing this on a regular basis can also help regulate appetite.
Do you drink hot lemon water? How has it helped you? We want to know!
3. Do You Really Need Breakfast?
Breakfast can be a controversial subject. Some schools of thought swear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, others say go without. Which camp are you in? We’re not here to tell you who is right or wrong, rather we’re more curious about what’s right for you.
Do you think breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you never skip it without taking a moment to assess whether you’re truly hungry? Does breakfast seem like a chore? Would you benefit from having a cup of hot lemon water on an empty stomach and then wait a couple of hours for your digestion to wake up naturally?
All we’re suggesting is to explore what’s truly right for you. You might be saying, “yes, I love breakfast, I’m ravenous in the morning” or “it’s the first thing I think about when I wake up.” Or you might feel like it’s time to discover what might work better for you. Play around with your morning routine and share what you’ve realised works best for you.
4. Eat More Fruits & Veggies
When cleaning up our diets it’s easy to focus on all the foods we are trying to avoid, which can feel daunting and not that much fun. Rather than focusing on what you can’t eat, why not focus on what you can eat, and increasing those foods instead. Let’s start with fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are high in water, dietary fibre and a variety of nutrients. By simply increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you consume daily you shift your focus from lack to abundance, which also helps to naturally replace other foods. Try it and tell us how you feel!
5. Focus on Whole Foods
With that same approach in mind also focus on eating more whole foods. We could easily have called this tip “avoid processed foods.” Rather than focusing on avoiding, focus on increasing, or swapping out.
Eat a lot of bread? Try whole grain bread instead. White rice a staple in your pantry? How about choosing brown rice, wild rice or red rice? Really into pasta? Choose to eat whole grain pasta for a week or two and see what a difference it makes. Have a sweet tooth? Swap out white sugar for something less processed like our coconut sugar or maple syrup.
More Tips?
We know that cleaning up your diet isn’t always an easy task. There are so many ways one can go about it.
What have you tried that has really worked? Do you have a tip for cleaning up your diet that has been a game changer?
Be part of the conversation. Reach out to us on Instagram at @indigo_herbs by commenting on our latest post or sending us a message. We’d love to hear from you!
