Is it time reboot your health and diet for spring?

Sunnier, warmer days can give us the boost we need to exercise and eat more healthfully.

Spring is the perfect time for rebooting your health.

Why now? With a new season comes new life, when everything wakes up, greens up and brightens our environment. It can make us feel more alive and give us more energy and zest for life, physical activities and eating better.

Harness the power of the seasonal change to develop a new mindset toward developing some new habits that will boost your health and nutrition and set the stage for a lifetime of wellness.

Many people feel more motivation to make changes in their eating patterns and choices when the summer months are just ahead and something to look forward to. Do you want to look better in your summer wardrobe? Do you want to be able to play badminton with your kids without getting out of breath? Have you always wanted to learn to kayak or swim, but never made the time to learn? Or take a class to learn a new activity like stand-up paddle boarding?

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Discovering your abilities to learn, grow and make changes in your lifestyle habits can bring you immense joy, satisfaction and confidence. Making healthy changes in your lifestyle and food habits may seem easier and less of a burden to you in the spring and summer months. Sunshine (along with longer days) elevates our mood and gives us more time to enjoy fun and scenic family adventures and outdoor activities.

Farmer’s markets open in May. Buying farm-fresh veggies can elevate food quality and make nutritious meals a snap. Take advantage of them and buy what is grown nearby and coming out of the ground right now. The sooner you eat (and enjoy) those vegetables, the more nutrients you’ll get.

What are the best health habits to start now? Here are some ideas for you:

Want more exercise? Exercise not only burns calories, it churns out endorphins and stimulates our brain to feel good while lowering stress and blood pressure and strengthening muscles, bones and even your brain.

Want to feel more peace, less anxiety and more confident? Research is showing that outside activity, especially in nature, is associated with feelings of love, altruism, self-esteem and calm.

Want more nutrition? Dig in to fresh and delicious summer produce. It may help you lose or control your weight, since it’s mostly water and super-low in calories. It’s also full of fiber, and that means they’re filling as well as nutrient-rich. Adding more produce might also help you experience fewer aches and pains because they’re full of antioxidants that lower inflammation. People who eat more produce also lower their risk of type 2 diabetes. Try adding a fruit of veggie to every meal.

Want to improve your hydration? Set a designated water bottle aside to use every day. Fill it up at night before bed and it’s ready to grab and go in the morning.

Get started today!

Kim Larson is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified health and wellness coach and founder of Total Health. Visit www.totalhealthrd.com or www.facebook.com/totalhealthnutrition for more. Follow her on Twitter at @healthrd. This column is for information only and not intended as personal medical advice.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.