Spring-clean your diet
Spring cleaning the fridge and pantry can jumpstart better eating habits. Stocking the fridge and pantry with healthier options makes it easier to make healthier choices. Using clear bins like these make it simple to keep food organized and visible.
Spring is a time of renewal, growth and new beginnings. We often want to freshen up our lives by cleaning up and clearing out. If healthy goals have slipped since the beginning of the year, now is the time to start afresh. The best way to get going is to spring-clean the pantry and fridge. Here are a few strategies to help:
It is time to bring those out-of-sight, out-of-mind items into the light of day. Toss expired items and nearly empty items. Christy Garbus, MSN, RN of Big Life Integrative Health stated, “A good rule of thumb is if it has more than five ingredients, there are probably a lot of additives and consider tossing it.”
If there is an odd item that will most likely never get used, now is the time to give it to a friend, a food pantry or find a recipe to use it.
Have lots of cans and jars? Make a chili, salad or bowl with beans, rice and jarred vegetables. Anything in the freezer that could be added? Christy suggested making delicious long-lasting meals in an instant pot or slow cooker. Look up recipes to use up a random assortment of ingredients.
A pantry and fridge clean-out is a satisfying task made easier if they are not full. Get creative with using as much as possible, then tackle cleaning the shelves and drawers.
Be strategic about restocking. Christy suggested focusing on stocking the fridge more than the pantry. Filling the fridge with fruits, veggies and lean proteins will provide more nutrients and color. Have chopped veggies and dips at the ready for snacking. Instead of restocking the pantry with processed snacks, have nuts and seeds and other healthier snacks available.
Nutritionists advise focusing on what one can add to a diet instead of what has to be cut. By prioritizing healthier food options, one “crowds out” the less healthy options. Making the healthier options readily available makes the choice easier, at least most of the time.
When possible, cook more at home. Take a little time to plan the week using quick, simple recipes that make it easier to pull it together when everything is on hand. Involve the family and try to bring in lots of variety.
Lastly, being mindful and enjoying each other’s company while being nourished with food is always good for us.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo
