Spring has finally arrived!
How did you mark the occasion?
Do you have an annual tradition for celebrating the first day of Spring?
(Me – I went skiing, which – last time I checked – is generally not considered a Springtime activity).
It’s no accident, by the way, that Spring is considered a time of renewal.
In fact, in ancient Chinese art, the plum blossom is a symbol of Springtime – because it blooms early in the season, signifying new life ahead.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Spring is the also the season for cleansing.
It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that more people participate in detoxes of every kind during this time of year.
With this in mind, here are three simple ways you can welcome Springtime into your own home, and your life.
Cleanse Your Cupboards
You may have already cleared your cupboards, fridge and freezer of gluten-containing foods, along with your other allergens.
But why not go a step further?
This is the perfect time to thoroughly clean out your kitchen, and release any foods that don’t truly support your health.
So – out with the tired spices, white flours and processed junk food!
In with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat and gluten-free oats.
Bring on the whole grain crackers, and minimally processed staples like pasta and whole grain flours for baking.
Better yet, if you own a Vitamix, you can grind your own flours from the whole grain.
Not only is this fun to do, it takes mere seconds – start to finish!
Stock your snack cupboard with nuts and seeds, and fill your fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables.
You’re all set!
Cleanse Your Body
There’s a lot of talk this time of year, about trying either a Detox or a whole-body Cleanse.
The idea is to give up some of the least healthful foods in your diet for a period of time – generally a week, or as long as three weeks.
If you’re new to eliminating gluten from your diet, this might sound a bit daunting – and probably more than you can handle.
The good news?
Almost every cleanse, or detox, requires you to give up gluten – and hey, you’re already gluten-free!
That means you’re already a step ahead.
Even so – if this seems too extreme, then try a simplified cleanse.
You can revamp your diet, by nixing the junk food and focusing instead on fresh, locally grown foods that truly support your health.
Whether or not you choose to immerse yourself in a detox, there’s no need to stop at revitalizing your Body.
Why not move on to cleansing your home, as well?
Cleanse Your Home
As you ‘lighten up’ during these warmer months, you can literally shed some weight with a little spring cleaning.
Start with any room in your home that is cluttered with extra stuff, or piles of paper that you seemingly never get to.
Now is a good time to sit down and tackle it, once and for all!
This is also a good time to switch out your cleaning products for a fresh, light scent – be sure to read the label, to make sure the product is free of environmental toxins.
And if none of this appeals to you, there are many fun things you can do to give your home a whole new look, just in time for Spring.
You can:
- Re-arrange the furniture
- Paint a wall or two, in a bright cheery color
- Add colorful throw pillows
- Slipcover the sofa
- Decorate with flowers
A fresh coat of paint, and a little less clutter can do wonders for both your home and your spirit!
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