Spring Cleaning

Kelly Goforth / April 9, 2015

Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to think about your fitness, nutrition, health habits and goals. Small changes can add up – improving your health, how you feel, even how much energy you have when you head out for a run!

Where have you gotten off-track a little over the winter? Maybe a few too many pizza nights, missed workouts, shortened dog walks, extra beers that have snuck their way into your routine? I still remember the spring that my husband and I realized that our occasional cheese/bread/wine night had become a weekly occurrence which was a routine, not a treat. It took a conscious commitment from both of us to reduce (and eventually eliminate) from our regular schedule. Now we choose spring rolls over the wine and cheese most times.

So, what small changes could you make to feel healthier and welcome spring? Here’s a few ideas to get you started thinking:

Drinking more water
Taking the stairs instead of elevator
Adding a yoga plank to your morning routine
Parking at the back of the parking lot
Swap out a drive through dinner for a healthy, homemade meal
Eating breakfast (overnight oatmeal is tasty, convenient, and economical!!!)
Exchange pizza delivery for a homemade pizza and use an alternate recipe for crust (quinoa or cauliflower crusts are delicious – click the links for recipes), and think cheese < veggies = healthy treat!
Keep washed, prepped veggies in the refrigerator and have them at eye level
Set an alarm to trigger yourself to go to bed to make sure you get enough sleep
Set an alarm to stop eating at night if you are a nighttime snacker
Swap soda (diet or regular) with club soda and a splash of lemon or lime juice, or just regular water
Bake sweet potato fries at home -Instead of meeting a friend for a drink, meet for a walk outside instead

The opportunities are endless! Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can really add up! Talk to your family and friends and ask them to make these changes with you. What “spring cleaning” will you be doing?

Kelly Goforth, a 1995 Menomonie High School graduate, lives in Oak Park, IL with her two daughters and husband, Scott. While she’s been active her whole life, Kelly recently made significant changes to her nutrition and workout routine, and her dedication delivered significant results! Kelly shares her knowledge with others through her Beachbody coaching (she’s a DIAMOND-level Coach) and her “Goforth and Be Healthy” Facebook page. Click to email Kelly your fitness question.