Healthy Habits Start in Your Kitchen Cabinets
By Sara Butler
Getting healthy is on many people’s minds and can seem as if it’s a large task. While the overall picture of your health can seem huge, it’s the little things that will make the biggest difference. If you want to change your lifestyle habits and create a healthier you, then start small -- in your kitchen cabinets. A few simple changes to how you organize your kitchen can make a big difference in your overall health and wellness.
Start in the Pantry
Your kitchen cabinets should be a friendly place that makes it easy for you to grab healthy ingredients when you cook. If your kitchen pantry is organized and full of healthy things, then you’ll be less likely to become discouraged and just order pizza. Tackle the food in your pantry by:
- Throwing things out – Take inventory of what you have lurking in your cabinet and get rid of anything that’s not in line with your dietary goals. You can donate food that you get rid of to a local food bank.
- Making it easier – Store essential things you use a lot during cooking near the stove. That way, you can have easy access to them as you cook.
- Using canisters – Put whole grains in canisters to help keep them fresh and so you can take inventory easily when you need to!
- Keeping an inventory of shelf-stable items – For quick and healthy meals, keep canned tomatoes, mushrooms, whole grain pasta, artichoke hearts, and other healthy items on hand that have a longer shelf life. That way you can throw something healthy together in a pinch.
Set Up to Snack Right
You can easily create a snacking center in your kitchen by designating a special place to keep healthy snacks that are easy to grab when you’re hungry. This can create a big advantage for your healthy eating goals because you can make finding the first thing you grab work in your favor! You should try to fill your snacking center with:
- Raw almonds
- Dried fruit
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
If you keep a stash of junk food in your kitchen, then at least put it in a place that’s difficult for you to reach, such as above the refrigerator or at the very top of the pantry. If you’re going to choose an unhealthy snack, then make yourself work for it!
Healthy eating isn't an accident, it's a choice you make each day. Set yourself up for success with these tips!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shreveport, La.