A Gentle Spring Reset

There’s something about March that makes many of us feel like we should be doing more. There’s a pressure to reset or undo whatever we think we did “wrong” over the winter.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need a dramatic reset. You don’t need a detox, cleanse or total overhaul of how you eat. Winter is a season of hibernation – movement looks different and comfort foods tend to take centre stage. That’s not failure, that’s being human. Spring doesn’t need to be about “starting over.” It can simply be about checking in. 

A spring reset doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. In fact, the smaller the change, the more likely it is to stick. Here are a few places to begin:

1. Add before you subtract. Try more colour on your plate, an extra serving of vegetables at lunch or dinner, a protein-rich breakfast to steady energy and cravings, or a fibre boost from beans, lentils, berries or whole grains.
2. Revisit hydration.
   As the weather shifts, hydration often slips through the cracks. You don’t need to force excessive amounts of water, but checking in can make a big difference. If you’re feeling sluggish, headachy or foggy, try sipping water before caffeine or sugar.
3. Let movement feel lighter again.
   Spring movement doesn’t need to mean intense workouts or rigid routines. This is a great time to walk outside, stretch in the morning or evening, or reconnect with movement that feels enjoyable, not punishing.

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you may feel that spring resets feel harder than they used to. More fatigue, stubborn weight changes or frustration when old strategies stop working. This isn’t a lack of discipline. Hormonal shifts can affect metabolism, sleep, appetite and recovery, which means the body often needs more support, not more restriction.

A spring reset doesn’t have to be loud, strict or extreme. It can look like:

• Eating regularly
• Prioritizing healthier foods and habits over rules
• Moving your body in ways that feel good
• Letting go of winter guilt
• Choosing habits that support your real life

Think of this season as an invitation to care for yourself a little more intentionally. And that kind of reset works year-round.

 

Jenn Giurgevich is the founder of Spark Nutrition & Health, a virtual nutrition consulting business.
Visit www.sparknutritionandhealth.ca for more information.