We love spring almost as much as we love a tuna melt for lunch.

Springtime comes with new beginnings, new growth, transformation and change. Almost overnight the world goes from grey to bursting with colour.

Going outdoors for exercise becomes less of a challenge, and with more fruits and vegetables coming into season, eating flavourful, fresh foods is even easier.

If you’ve made getting your nutrition on track this spring a priority, congrats! You’ve taken a significant first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Now what?

We know how overwhelming choosing the best diet or healthy eating plan can be. Especially when you’re dreading too many restrictions or fear losing weight only to gain it back again because your plan isn’t sustainable.

From the DASH diet to keto, MIND and Whole30… the restrictive lists of dos and don’ts are enough to send you head first into a giant bowl of gummy bears.

So we’re here to remind you that getting back to the basics is one of the best ways to embark on a new, sustainable lifestyle with long-term benefits for both your mind and body.

Here are a few ways to get started:

•      Prioritize plants: Canada’s new food guide recommends fruits and veggies on half your plate. Naturally low in calories and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables give you vitamins and nutrients you need to maintain good health and potentially fight off disease.
•      Get good-for-you-fats: Use plant-based oils and enjoy avocados, most nuts and other unsaturated fats to help with weight loss, reduce the risk of heart disease and decrease inflammation.
•      Eat more seafood: Named the Best Diet for 2019, the Mediterranean lifestyle is one that recognizes the benefits of finding room for more fish in your meals. Seafood is low in fat, low in cholesterol, high in protein and packed with vitamins and minerals. Use any one of our Gold Seal products to conveniently up your fish consumption.
•      Indulge consciously: If you follow a Mediterranean way of eating there are no “restrictions.” You’re simply encouraged to fill up on nutritious foods and eat sweets in moderation, which is easier to do when you’re not feeling deprived.

As is the case with most eating plans that have the greatest health benefits, it’s all about consuming ‘real’ foods, limiting sugar and focusing on moderation. Of course, before you embark on any new diet or lifestyle, you should always consult with your doctor first.

Sources:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a25176749/best-diets-2019/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-best-diets-for-2019/

https://www.thisisinsider.com/mediterranean-diet-best-diet-of-year-2019-1

http://time.com/5486616/best-diet-mediterranean-diet/