Did someone say spring cleaning?! 
 
There’s something about spring that makes me want to reset everything! Clean out the pantry, swap over closets, freshen up routines… and yes, maybe donate those “before” clothes because your weight loss wins are showing ;)
 
This week, we’re spring cleaning beyond the closet and talking toxic load - the everyday products that may be worth rethinking, plus easy non-toxic swaps I personally love. This isn’t about perfection or replacing your whole home overnight. My favourite approach is simple: finish what you have, then make better swaps over time.
 
Here's what I’m tossing, what I’m keeping, and the swaps actually worth making 🤍
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Better For YOU Swaps!
1) Upgrade Your Cookware: From Teflon to Ceramic or Cast Iron
Swap out Teflon frying pans for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated pans because they can handle higher heat, and avoid the chemical coatings (plus they'll last longer)
I'm a huge fan of Carraway, but the Green Pan Brand has impressed me - I have seen them at Home Sense & Winners recently for an awesome price!! 
2) Ditch Conventional Cleaning Sprays
Many conventional cleaning sprays can contain synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals that add to your indoor toxic load and may irritate the skin, lungs, or hormones.
Not every natural cleaner does the job for everything. But for an everyday all-purpose surface spray, this has been a swap I’ve been loving: Guests on Earth
3) Swap Conventional Parchment for Unbleached Parchment
 
 
Opt for an unbleached parchment paper 
If you're planning for your next healthy sweet treat or trying a new sheet pan recipe, try swapping for unbleached parchment paper - big fan of If You Care Parchment Paper (ps - you can click the link)
4) Swap Plastic Cutting Boards for Wood
Over time, plastic cutting boards can develop knife grooves that trap bacteria and may shed tiny microplastic particles into food.
5) Reduce Fragrance (Candles, Plug-ins, Laundry Scent)
Swap out toxic candles for better-for-you options that are made with soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax!
This may be one of the biggest low-tox swaps worth considering. Conventional candles, plug-ins, and fragranced laundry products can contribute to higher chemical exposure indoors.  For candles, opt for beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax, and be sure they are phthalate-free.  I'm not an essential-oils girl, but this can be another great option, along with simmer pots, to keep your house smelling fresh! 

I have yet to find a natural dishwasher tab that truly does the job like the real deal - so I’m very open to suggestions… send me your favourites!!
 
Cleaner brands can get pricey (as we know), so I’m all about choosing where swaps feel worth it. And for some products, simple DIY options using ingredients you may already have at home can be a great alternative: 
Try my DIY Veggie & Fruit Wash below ⬇️
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   DIY Fruit & Veggie Wash
 
Ingredients
  • 1 large bowl of cold water
  • 1 cup white vinegar or a baking soda soak (see below)
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables of choice
Method
Add produce to a large bowl of cold water.
Stir in 1 cup white vinegar and let soak for 20–30 minutes, then rinse well and dry. 
 
Vinegar Soak:
A vinegar wash can help remove surface dirt and impurities from produce and may help extend freshness - especially for berries and delicate greens. I love this as a simple prep step to help produce last longer and reduces food waste.
 
Baking Soda Soak: 
A baking soda soak has been shown to help reduce certain pesticide residues from the surface of fruits and vegetables, making it a great extra step for conventional produce.
 
Important Note: Use either a vinegar soak or a baking soda soak - not both together, as they neutralize one another and reduce the benefit!
 

weekly recipes
Spring Dill chicken salad wrap
 
Ingredients: 
 
3 oz. chicken breast (I used rotisserie chicken & diced it super small)
¼ cup red onion, diced
3 tbsp. plain Greek Yogurt
¼ dried cranberries (no sugar added - I love the brand Patience) 
2 tbsp. dill, finely chopped (optional)
2 tbsp. lemon juice
½ cucumber, diced 
½ celery stalk, diced 
Butter lettuce 
option to add 1 tbsp. chopped walnuts 
Sea salt, and black pepper to taste 
 
Instructions:
 
Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
 
Add the chicken salad to the tortilla and wrap tightly! 
 
 
weekly recipes
coconut & Raspberry french toast 
 
Ingredients: 
 
2 slices sprouted grain bread (like Ezekiel, Silver Hills, or Stonemill)
½ tsp avocado oil or ½ tsp grass-fed ghee
1 egg & 1 egg white 
2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup fresh raspberries
 
 
Instructions:
 
In a shallow bowl, whisk together egg, egg white, almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and shredded coconut.
 
Dip both slices of bread into the mixture, allowing each side to soak briefly. 
 
Heat avocado oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Cook bread for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and lightly crisp.
 
Plate and top with raspberries, and a small drizzle of maple syrup if using.
 
 
weekly recipes
Harvest quinoa chicken bowl 
 
Ingredients: 
 
4 oz. chicken breast seasoned with 1 tsp. garlic powder and 1 tsp. paprika (super simple - I added to my air fryer for this one, you can bake or grill - however you like to cook your chicken) 
½ cup cooked quinoa
Spring Mix Lettuce
¼ avocado OR 1 tbsp. white cheddar cheese cubes 
slivered carrots 
slivered cherry tomatoes 
Option to add any veggies you love! 
 
Dressing:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. Dijon mustard 
Squeeze of lemon juice
Dash of garlic powder 
 
Instructions:
 
Start cooking your chicken & assemble your bowl. You can add any veggies of your choice - I love doing this with sweet potato cubes, adding cut-up apples, or different veggies - can really make it your own & drizzle with your favourite dressing! 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Here's to another week. You've got this! 
 
Alex
 
18 Yorkville Ave
Toronto, ON M4W3Y8, Canada

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