Life…Supplemented introduces spring cleaning wellness plan

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition’s consumer wellness campaign “Life…supplemented” on Wednesday encouraged people to think about spring as the perfect opportunity to get back on track and return to healthy lifestyle habits with three quick-and-easy tips to help with a wellness “spring cleaning.”

“Spring cleaning isn’t just about vacuuming, nor should it be a chore,” stated Life…supplemented consultant Cheryl Forberg, who also is a nutritionist for NBC’s “The Biggest Loser." “Cleaning up your act when it comes to wellness is a recipe for good health.”

The three tips are:

• Freshen up your diet: Studies show that Americans aren’t consuming enough fruits and vegetables. A recent Life…supplemented consumer study found that only 32% of American adults claimed, “I love vegetables and easily eat two cups each day,” and just 27% said, “I eat at least two pieces (or cups) of fruit each day.” Forberg suggested aiming for a minimum of four cups of fruits and vegetables daily, and favoring non-dried fruits and non-starchy vegetables. “Rid your fridge of the few forbidden foods that have found their way back into your kitchen,” she advised;

• Take inventory of your kitchen cabinets: Be proactive and check expiration dates on multivitamins and other dietary supplements. While supplements are not required by law to list expiration dates, most companies do so to ensure that consumers take them before the ingredients lose their full potency; and

• Say “hello again” to Mother Nature: As temperatures warm up across the country, take the time to enjoy the scenery. Jogging, power walking and cycling are great cardio exercises and good ways to begin getting in shape for the summer.