Fall Cleaning Our Diet For Better Health
Out with the old, and in with the New! Who has been Fall cleaning? What do you keep, and what do you throw out? Do some of us hold on to foods to heat up, and serve later? Even when they have expired? That could just make us SICK!
Starting with the Freezer, anything with ice crystals should go “ bye bye”. Freezer burned food will taste bad, and generally, the nutrients are lost from the food. In the Fridge, it’s a good idea to place nutrient-dense foods at eye-level, and treats in the back- why do you think this is so? Prep fruits and vegetables the night before use, to not stockpile and waste. And routinely, once every month or so, check expiration dates on condiments and food, including in the pantry, and discard old food.
Healthier foods include fruit and vegetable snacks, air-popped corn, peanut butter sandwiches on wheat bread/bun, water, rice cakes, yogurt, and others. Omega-3 fatty acids are readily available in canned tuna, sardines, and salmon. Whole grains like brown rice and wheat pasta could replace high calorie granola, and high sugar cereals.
How do you plan to de-clutter your eating lifestyle, and ultimately, improve your health? Here are some suggestions:-
-Drink 8 glasses water/day to keep hydrated; cut down on Sodium by limiting TV Dinners and processed foods- use herbs to season foods; keep up with your Vitamins and supplements as discussed with your primary care physician- Vitamin C keeps away colds, and Vitamin B keeps up our energy levels; Grill, bake, steam, and stew more often- uses less oil, and less artery-clogging; aim to limit alcohol, and cut back on/quit smoking- alcohol alters our moods/perceptions/sight, and we need healthy lungs to breathe! ; remove sugary and fatty food temptations from view- moderation is key! ; don’t be cooped up- get fresh air by walking, hiking, swimming, running, playing catch/ball, etc.; gardening anyone? Flower or herb garden? The different colours and smells will stimulate the senses, and tending the garden will give us exercise ; smile and laugh more often!
In closing, maintain regular checkups, and discuss any health concerns with your doctor. And finally, Happy Lifestyle Spring Cleaning!
Stacey.