We’ve all been here: sluggish feeling, not enough time or energy to shop for & cook nutritious meals from scratch. It’s incredibly common, but it’s also common to want to break out of that and eat, and more importantly feel, well. If you’re feeling this way, you may benefit from a reset.
But what’s the best way to go about that? Let’s break it down.
The Benefits of Giving Your Body a Break From Processed Foods
At Splendid Spoon, we believe the definition of “healthy” includes enjoying birthday cake and champagne, but it also means opting for veggies instead of processed foods when you can. Healthy can be both enjoyment and moderation, and the occasional reset can help us get there.
We don’t believe in restricting ourselves, but we do believe in making real, wholesome meals the easy choice. Taking time to reset is not about weight or how your body looks. It’s about letting Splendid Spoon guide you through the day so you don’t have to negotiate between granola bars and takeout. Ultimately, the reset is about improving your relationship with food so that you feel proud of what you are putting in your body. Splendid Spoon’s Soup Reset provides a return to a place of balance.
Ways to Reset:
A Full Day of Plant-Based Meals
This day can be a day to connect with your body, to slow down and be intentional about what you’re consuming.
"There are times when we get off track in our wellness journey and may go a little overboard here and there on high-calorie, nutrient-depleted foods," says Kim Rose, Registered Dietitian. "Not only do these plant-based meals provide calories, which the body can use for energy, but also vitamins and minerals that nourish the body, so you’re not tempted to indulge in something sweet, greasy or not so nutritiously dense. Soups may be ideal for people having digestive issues and desiring to give their tummies a rest.”
- You’ll get your gut back in shape. Plant-based whole foods make a better environment for lots of different 'good' bacteria to flourish, allowing 'bad' bacteria to be released.
- Increase nutrient absorption. Fibrous veggies in soups are broken down in the cooking process, making the insoluble fiber a little softer and easier to pass through your system. Some of those plant fibers are also probiotics which feed good bacteria, in turn making your digestive system more efficient at expelling waste.
- Stay on track with healthy habits. Eating more fruits and vegetables every day is one of the simplest ways to strengthen immunity and prevent disease. Regular resets make sure you stay aligned with your veggie goals.
- Give your body a quick break from processed foods that are difficult to digest. It isn’t meant to be used everyday, but every now and then in order to reset after long weekends, traveling, or when you’re just feeling sluggish.
2-3 Plant-Based Meals per Week
Don't want a full day of plant-based meals? No problem! Just a single meal can help you show your gut a little TLC. Registered Dietitian Kim Rose weighs in on the reset meal:
“For starters, I would recommend taking one reset meal (ideally lunch or dinner) at least 2-3 times a week. This will allow your body a chance to wind down after a busy day, and may even kickstart weight management to get you back on track with healthy eating. Sometimes you just need to hit the reset button so you can focus on your long-term food, nutrition and overall health goals.”
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has recently become an increasingly popular lifestyle, with many people adhering to the 16/8 method. This form of intermittent fasting involves eating for an eight-hour window, such as from 11 am to 7 pm, and fasting for the 16-hours in between. Research indicates that fasting for a short period of time provides a variety of health benefits, including weight loss, as well as encourages the optimization of hormones that relate to weight control.
Humans’ energy comes from the calories that they eat, and the fat that stores those calories. Fat gets burned in a more efficient manner during fasting because the energy needs to come from somewhere, if not calories. This is done through the nervous system sending norepinephrine (a hormone) to break down fat cells - but we’re not going to get into that.
Other health benefits from intermittent fasting include inflammation reduction, decreased insulin levels, and increased HGH (human growth hormone that often aids in fat loss).
Many people report increased feelings of energy, decreased hunger pains, and weight loss after just a few weeks of fasting. (See here for research on this topic!).
Remember, nourishing yourself and listening to what your body needs is most important. It’s all about balance. We strive to make meals where tasty & healthy go hand in hand, so you don’t need to compromise. Get started to give Splendid Spoon a try! And be sure to check out all of our meals to keep you feeling healthy and fueled for the week!