Stocking up and Staying Healthy
By Stephen R. Farris
While we try to eat healthy and follow strict guidelines when it comes to sodium intake and excess sugars in our diet, oftentimes it's hard to figure out what foods to stock up on at home.
Not everyone has the luxury of going to the supermarket every other day, or once a week even, so that leaves buying a lot of food that can be stored for longer periods of time. While fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats are best when it comes to our nutritional needs, they have a short shelf life in the refrigerator. Of course, there's always the option of freezing most of those.
Some of the meats can be expensive, so if you're on a budget and don't live close to a grocery store, then stocking up on food items is a basic necessity. That's why most meals may end up being meatless, but that's OK too, as there are plenty of ways to get your fruits and veggies to last longer. But if you feel the need to add meat as one of your courses, then canned tuna is an excellent choice. Chicken and ham are also available in cans. As with any processed foods, you have to read the label and make sure it's not packed with high amounts of sodium and unhealthy oils.
Processed vs. Fresh
Buying fresh fruits and vegetables is always best, but you can purchase canned ones, which are in the category of processed. However, make sure you read the label when it comes to choosing healthy. Some of those processed fruits and veggies may be filled with lots of sugar or sodium. On the plus side, you can keep them for years in the pantry.
Bagged Food
Most frozen fruits and vegetables are good to keep in the freezer for a year, maybe longer. Grains, such as rice, along with beans are usually sold in bags/packages. If you have access to large jars you can transfer those foods into them, so they will stack better in your pantry and stay fresher longer.
Dried Foods
Stock up on dried foods such as fruits and meats. Dried fruit can last a long time in your pantry, since the moisture that would cause spoilage has been removed. Jerky can last for up to two years and there are a lot more varieties of the meats to choose from besides beef. As mentioned, don't forget to read the label to check for high sodium content.
Eating healthy is a great way to ensure your body is getting the nutrients and minerals it needs, and by following some of these examples, it doesn't have to break your pocketbook either when it comes to stocking up.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rocklin, Calif.