The contents of your pantry can tell a lot about how that person might be feeling physically. Improving your shopping selections and nutritional intake can be helpful in making you feel more energized, lower your health insurance costs, improve the appearance of your hair, skin and nails. Healthier choices can also lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and many different types of cancer.
By purchasing (and consuming) fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, you will be providing your body with extra vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants it needs. As for your pantry goods, these few suggestions may help to get you started with making healthier selections;
1. Canned beans are very healthy as well as being a good source of protein. To lower your sodium intake, rinse them thoroughly before eating them. Selections vary from white, red, garbanzo, kidney or black beans.
2. Popcorn is another great choice, some may not realize this but popcorn is a whole grain; choose the low-fat version or the portion controlled 100-calorie mini-bags.
3. Canned tuna, packed in water makes a great alternative to other fish and shellfish as it is very low in mercury content.
4. Roasted red peppers are a great source of beta-carotene. They are sold in a jar with the pickles and they’re a great addition to just about any dish. Puree them for an added twist to any sauce recipe.
5. Capers and olives are a vital part of any Mediterranean diet. They contain a healthy fat that is necessary.
6. The benefits of green tea are many. Mainly for it’s antioxident and anti-cancer properties.
7. Low sodium broths or broth mixes are excellent for cooking vegetables, making soups or adding to mashed potatoes. This lowers the need for butter or salt. There are many lower sodium and fat free varieties available.
8. Salsa is a wonderful condiment. The tomatoes are a great source of many vital nutrients, but be sure to look at the ingredients and select the brands without added high fructose corn syrup.
9. Fiber bars, such as Kashi, All Bran or Fiber Plus are great to have on hand for an anytime, on the go snack.
10. Canned low sodium soups- (with clear broth, not the creamy stews or chowders) are another great source of vitamins and low fat meat selections.
Having these items on hand and having a pantry stocked with healthy choices is a great way to begin a healthy eating plan. It is important to take a look at what we feed our bodies. Many times we feel exhausted and run down because our bodies are asked to perform without having the proper fuel for the best output.