Spring Cleaning Your Health

Spring Cleaning Your Health

Maggi Gallaspy

When I hear the term ‘spring cleaning,’ I automatically think about decluttering, organizing, and sanitizing the house. But what if we took it a step further? As we enter a new season, there’s nothing better than a fresh start for yourself. Whether you want to work on your physical health, eating habits or spending more time enjoying the sunny weather, spring cleaning your health is a great way to start. 

If your goal is to focus on physical well-being, Lubbock is home to a variety of gyms and fitness classes. Walk your heart out at Stride or spin your legs to the beat at Cycle Bar! Whatever you choose to do, be intentional about choosing movement that you enjoy. 

 

A fun way to do this is to incorporate challenges into your new spring routine! Here are a few ideas:

  • Train for and run a local 5k
  • Do the 75 hard
  • Go for a walk every day for a month
  • Try the 12-3-30 treadmill challenge
  • Complete a 30 day yoga challenge

The options are endless!

Spring cleaning your health is all about intentionality. With the warm weather rolling around, spending quality time outside is another proactive way to improve overall health and wellness. 

Whether you’re having dinner at home or on the town, planning to eat your meals outside is a great way to start. In Lubbock, there are several restaurants and cafes with patio seating including Ninety-Two Bakery and Cafe, Two Docs. Brew Co., Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant and more. 

From Prairie Dog Town to kayaking at He-Brews, Lubbock is also home to some amazing parks and open spaces to enjoy outdoor recreational activities! 

Maybe your goal is to take a daily walk or to establish a morning or evening routine with the sunrise or sunset that includes journaling, reflection, reading a book or another hobby. Whatever it is, being in nature will make your day a little brighter. When I think ‘spring,’ I think fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs! Eating seasonal produce means the ingredients you consume are fresh and ever-changing. Any time I’m planning a reset, meal-prepping or trying to eat light for the week, these recipes are on rotation and often appear daily in my kitchen! Inspired by the bright notes of citrus to the warmth of vanilla, these three recipes are simple and easily adjustable to fit any palate. The best part about them is that you can easily make each recipe in a batch to use for the coming days. Check out my recipe for infused water, green juice and homemade granola!

Check out our vendors!

Infused Water

There are a lot of benefits to drinking infused water. The obvious one is hydration! It also acts as appetite control, immune defense and more. If you tire of drinking plain water, this may be your new favorite thing. I love this recipe because the flavor combinations are endless! Each time I make it, I’m tempted to add a different fruit or herb. My go to is simple and includes lemon slices and mint leaves. But, pick your favorite fruit and give it a go. 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 fruits, sliced thin
  • 10 mint leaves (or leaves of other herbs)
  • 8-10 cups water

Directions:

  • Choose your favorite flavor combination.
  • Wash fruit, vegetables or herbs.
  • Slice or cut fruit into pieces.
  • Add to water bottle or container. Let the water infuse for at least 30 minutes. I like to leave mine around 2 hours if I have time!
  • Drink within 24 hours.



Fruit & Granola Yogurt Parfait

This homemade granola is guaranteed to make your home smell like heaven! It is the perfect topping for a yogurt parfait, delicious eaten as a cereal or just by the handful. Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste when it comes to the dried fruit and nut additions. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • ½ cup roughly chopped almonds
  • ½ cup dried fruit
  • 2 cups roughly chopped dates
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 2-4 tbsp vanilla protein powder
  • ⅓ cup honey

Directions:

  • Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl.
  • Add protein powder and mix well.
  • Pour in honey and stir.
  • Bake at 360° for 8 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  • Let it cool completely, crumble and enjoy!
  • Store in an airtight container. 

For parfait: 

  • Choose yogurt of choice. 
  • Top with granola and seasonal fruit. 
  • Drizzle with honey for added sweetness!

 

Green Juice

Another easily adaptable recipe, green juice is a spring and summer go to for me! While the recipe below is the one I follow most often, I just use what I have on hand. A good rule of thumb is making sure you have a base (cucumber or celery), another green (if wanted), a fruit to sweeten it (apple or orange) and another flavor or detox addition (lemon, ginger or herbs). Have fun with it! 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 green apple
  • 1 cucumber
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 1 medium-sized orange or citrus of choice
  • 1 small knuckle ginger

Directions:

  • Cut each fruit and place it in a juicer. Juice!
  • Stir juice to combine. 
  • Strain and serve! 
  • Drink within 48 hours. 

To make in a high-speed blender:

  • Blend all ingredients.
  • Strain multiple times until smooth!
  • Drink within 48 hours. 
Check out our vendors!