The days are getting longer and the weather more gentle. It is a great time to refocus and refresh our lives.
Springtime means spring cleaning and getting rid of those items we no longer have a use for in our lives -- essentially, getting rid of the old and making room for the new.
It is also a time to regroup on our own health and weight loss goals. So, do not be surprised that as you de-clutter your life, an inner serenity sets in. You should also not be surprised if the weight suddenly starts to fall off.
According to an article on AARP.Org, “To me, clinging to possessions and struggling with one’s weight are closely linked. If you can clean out even one room in your home, you start to regain control and you see that your actions (exercising your right to part with your possessions) yield positive change.”
Clearing out clutter also has some other benefits and can even help you pay down some debt. Have a garage sale, as others may find your stuff useful.
Whatever does not sell at your sale, can then be donated to a local charity as a tax write-off. Everyone wins in this situation and you are helping someone in need.
In the article mentioned above, author Carole Carson spoke of the liberating and “lighter” feeling she experienced after getting rid of excess stuff.
“Each month during my weight-loss period, I called a local charity for a pickup of extraneous stuff. And although it was sometimes difficult to put old-time ‘friends’ in the bags, once those things were gone I never missed them.”
Now, let’s move on to your lifestyle and diet as part of your spring cleaning exercises.
Spring is a time to head outdoors again and get moving. You can start by just taking an energetic walk each day. It not only helps spring clean your body, but also your mind by refreshing your soul.
As you clean out your fridge and pantry of outdated, sugary, starchy and non-nutrient foods, you are making room for their healthy, alternative replacements.
In an article on HuffingtonPost.com, Dr. Michelle Callahan suggested that you consider jumpstarting your body, with a detox program.
“You may even want to start the season with a cleanse to help you clear your body of unwanted chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, etc.” As always, before you start any type of diet program, please consult your health care provider.
Online References:
Clear the Clutter to Lose Weight- Carole Carson,- AARP.org . American Association of Retired People. Web. 19 2013.
http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/info-09-2010/Kick_Clutter_And_Lose_Weight.html
Spring Clean Your Life – Dr. Michelle Callahan. HuffingtonPost.com. The Huffington Post. Web. 19 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-michelle-callahan/spring-cleaning_b_1455277.html
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed March 20, 2013
by MIchele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith