Spring Clean Your Health – Simple Steps to Refresh Your Nutrition and Wellness

As warmer days roll in, it’s the perfect time to give your health and wellness routine a little “spring cleaning.” From clearing out the pantry to getting outside and moving, small steps can make a big difference. Here are simple, refreshing ways to clean up your nutrition and embrace the new season with energy and balance.

Declutter Your Pantry and Make Smart Swaps

Let’s be honest – do you still have cans of fruit in heavy syrup or outdated boxes of pasta and other dry goods? Everyone has those “I might use it eventually” boxes hidden deep in the pantry. But now is the perfect time to clear them out and make space for foods that will support and align with your health goals. Here’s how to do it:

• Choose better canned options: Look for fruits and vegetables packed in water or labeled “no sugar added.” Swapping out heavy syrup can help manage blood sugar, especially if you’re managing diabetes or at risk for it (like with prediabetes).
• Limit sodium with smart labels: If you need to watch your salt intake for heart health, look for cans that say “no salt added” or “low sodium.” Rinsing canned veggies or beans under water can also help reduce the sodium content.

Make swaps that align with you: Small changes, like these pantry swaps, still allow you to enjoy your favorite meals while making better nutritional choices tailored to your needs.

Free Up Freezer Space

Raise your hand if you have frozen peas, broccoli, or mixes shoved in the back of the freezer. You are not alone. But guess what? Frozen veggies are packed with nutrients, and they are a budget-friendly lifesaver for quick meals. Here are a few ideas to use them up:

• Boost your pasta or soups: Add frozen vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, or peas to pasta and soups for an extra boost of vitamins. 
• Quick stir-fry magic: Use frozen veggies as the base for a stir-fry. Add low-sodium soy sauce, your favorite seasonings, and frozen shrimp or chicken for a balanced, easy meal.
• Roast them: Sheet pan meals are quick and versatile. Toss frozen veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at 400–450°F. Add your choice of protein for a complete dinner.

Give Your Fridge a Quick Refresh

Spring cleaning your fridge doesn’t have to take all day. Time yourself or give yourself an hour (or less) to do it and see what you can accomplish! Pull everything out, wipe down the shelves, and toss anything that’s been hiding in there for too long (I’m looking at you, forgotten condiment bottles).

• Place fresh produce front and center so it’s highly visible. Hopefully this will remind you to eat it before it goes bad.
• Store leftovers in clear containers so you do not forget about them. This can help you quickly identify what you have, so you’re less likely to waste food. 
• Bonus tip: Leftovers are only good for three to four days, so if you’re not sure how long it’s been, it’s probably time to let it go.

Get Outside for 30 Minutes of Movement

The best part about spring is the warmer weather and more sunshine during the day. Aim for 30 minutes of movement a day, preferably outside, to soak up some sun and boost your mood.

• Head Outside:  Walk, run, bike, or skate – whatever sounds fun. Bring a friend, dog, favorite playlist, or just listen to nature. My dogs get excited when we are pulling up to the Riverwalk because they know they will get a nice long walk. Angler’s Park also has great trails for running, walking, or biking. I personally love trail running to help clear my head and train for any upcoming triathlons.
• Daily movement counts: Even yard work or spring cleaning around the house adds up.

The key is to keep it fun. Instead of “I have to get outside,” think of it as “I get to enjoy this beautiful day.” It is all about shifting your mindset to make movement feel like a treat instead of a chore.

 Support Local and Try Something New

Spring is the perfect time to mix things up—and Danville has so many great local options for fitness and wellness to fit anyone’s budget. If you have a medical condition or injury, talk to your provider before starting new activities or use at your own risk.

• Yoga and Pilates: My personal favorites! Check out Sweat and Soul, the new hot yoga studio downtown that offers various heated classes seven days a week. Mind Body Wellness, an intimate Pilates setting that will always have you feeling recharged, refreshed, and feeling that booty burn.
• Higher-impact workouts: If you are ready for a challenge, try Old 97 CrossFit or connect with other local trainers for more personalized sessions.
• Group Cardio Classes: Join the Danville YMCA for a variety of group classes or classes at Never Lose Strength with Donovan. A lot of my friends recommend his Cardio Blast class.
• Recovery counts too: Don’t forget to care for yourself. I just started getting massages at Elemental Arts. I also love relaxing and reading a new book during my infrared sauna sessions at River City Tans.

Remember: Start small. Don’t try to do it all at once – burnout is real. Try one class this week, and if it’s not your thing, try another. You won’t know what you love until you give it a shot.

Small Steps Make Big Changes

You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to spring clean your health. Start with small, manageable steps – like swapping out sugary pantry staples, using up those frozen veggies, or getting outside for just 30 minutes a day.

Here’s your challenge: pick one thing from this list to try this week. Clear out a pantry shelf, cook up a quick stir-fry, or take a stroll on the Riverwalk. Even 10 minutes of movement or one simple swap can make a difference.

Before you know it, you’ll feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to enjoy this beautiful new season.

Spring is here – and this is your time to shine. You’ve got this!

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www.BrannonInBalanceNutrition.com