It’s that time of year when baby boomers and seniors might start thinking again about cleaning their homes. A great place to start for your health is your kitchen, where you’ll find lots of the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Here’s one set of procedures to make this happen for your pantry (I’ll give tips for spring cleaning your refrigerator next week):
1) Clear a large space on your countertop and empty everything out of your pantry.
Pull foods out of the dark corners; chances are you don’t even remember buying some of these things! Emptying your pantry will allow you to easily separate out foods to toss or keep. It is also a great time to reorganize your cupboard. For example, place items you use often on lower shelves, in the front.
2) Throw away all outdated food.
Yes, many items are good beyond the date on the package, but why risk eating poor quality or spoiled food? You may also have food “gifts” that have graced your shelves long beyond their useful life. Bite the bullet and just toss things!
3) Get rid of all processed foods high in sugar or sodium.
Cookies, candy, muffins, canned soups, and other items loaded with sugar and salt all sabotage your health efforts. While it’s ok to eat these foods once in awhile, keeping them in the home is just asking for trouble. If you need to stock white or brown sugar for occasional use, place it in harder-to-reach places once you begin re-filling the pantry.
4) Restock with these kitchen essentials:
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, pine nuts, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios are excellent staples. Just make sure they’re not all highly salted.
Canned fruits: Purchase the varieties packed in water or their own juice.
Canned vegetables or beans: These are valuable to keep on hand for a healthy meal. Purchase low-sodium versions or rinse with water before cooking.
Pasta or grains: Include high-fiber varieties such as whole-wheat pastas, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa. Rather than buy a prepared noodle or rice dish, add spice and vegetables to make your own more healthy version.
5) Herbs, spices, and oils
Keep spices and dried herbs for one to two years. Check the flavor and color to verify if it’s time to toss them. And be sure to have plenty of heart-healthy olive oil on hand for cooking.
For additional healthy eating ideas, give me a call!
We can discuss some practical tips and discover if any of my programs or classes are a good fit for your friends or family.
If you’d like to schedule that call with me, just CLICK THIS LINK, and let me know in the message that you would like a 1-on-1 call with me right away and I will be in touch to schedule that—oh, and leave me your phone number in there too since email is not as reliable as it used to be! Thanks.
Lisa Teresi Harris is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and author of the book Building Your Enduring Fitness. A certified Geri-Fit Instructor, she helps Boomers and seniors to regain and keep muscle strength, mobility, and energy.
Contact Lisa to inquire about a customized, in-home fitness program for you or a loved one.