How About a Little Spring Cleaning?

When I think of the spring, I think of fresh, new beginnings. Just like those daffodil bulbs peeking up from the ground, we can treat spring as a time to start anew. Some people like to embark on a spring cleaning mission to create a fresh, clean environment in their home.  Many people these days are also looking to rejuvenate their bodies and minds with a spring cleanse.  How about combining the two?  What if you did a little spring cleaning in your kitchen to make room for healthier foods that will help you feel great physically and mentally?    

Let's start with your  Pantry & Cabinets:

Begin by discarding any packaged food items such as chips, cookies and cereals that contain more than 5 ingredients.  It's widely accepted that a product containing more than 5 ingredients is considered "highly processed".  Instead stock your cupboards with healthier go-to snacks like nuts, fruits and seeds.  I also recently discovered That's It snack bars and I'm a big fan of Cruncha ma-me.  For other ideas here are 85 Snack Ideas from 100 Days of Real Food. 

Moving on to the Refrigerator:

Toss things like pre-sweetened yogurt, non-whole grain products like breads, english muffins and tortillas, sodas and juice.  Instead of buying flavored, sugar-laden yogurts, why not make your own?  Purchase plain yogurt and mix in your own fruit, honey or unsweetened all fruit jellies or jams.  Fun tip: Freeze raspberries (they perish quickly) and mix them in your plain yogurt with a little granola for breakfast!  Replace the non-whole grain items with heart-healthy whole grain options.  Instead of soda or juice how about a home-made "soda" of seltzer with just a splash of juice?

And finally the Freezer:

Rather than stocking store bought ice cream or popsicles, how about making your own?  As Michael Pollan says: "eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself."  Here is a great homemade sorbet recipe and a few icy treat makeovers. 

If you can't bear throwing away any food, if the package is unopened, drop it off at your local food pantry or make a commitment to purchase healthier products following these guidelines moving forward as you run out of what you currently have on hand.   If your kitchen is stocked with only healthy foods, you and your family won't be tempted to eat foods that aren't going to support your short term (increased energy, weight loss, better sleep, etc.) and long term (active and disease free maturity) health goals.    

Who knew spring cleaning could be so good for you?!