Spring is the time for a clean out. Toss away those habits which are not helpful. An organised and tidy kichen makes it easier to make healthy food choices. Here are a few ideas to get you back on track with your health goals:
- Spring clean the kitchen. Start with the pantry. Clear out those foods that are not helping you to achieve good health. An organised pantry stocked with healthy staples is a good start. Think tins of tomatoes, legumes such as three beans, lentils and kidney beans, beetroot, corn, brown rice and pasta. Choose high fibre breakfast cereals such as oats, Weetbix and muesli. Include a good Australian virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds and herbs. Make sure you have some tinned fish – salmon, sardines or tuna. You now have the start of a few easy meal ideas – pasta with tomatoes or herbs, fish with rice and the start of a few salads.
- Discover your local fresh produce market or fruit shop. Get in the habit of grabbing a box of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables each week. Display your fruit in a fruit bowl so its attractive and visible. Chop up fruits such as pineapple and melon and keep in the fridge. Research shows we’re much more likely to eat fruit and veegtables when its already prepared.
- Seasonal produce is cheaper and more tasty. During spring enjoy pawpaw, tangelos, pineapples, berries, oranges, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, Asian greens, spinach, beetroot, lettuce, cucumber and spring onions.
- Throw a few herbs in a pot by the kitchen door where they are ready to use.
- Start planning your meals each week and while you’re at it, write out your shopping list. Upload your weekly planner and shopping list here. This is best done before the grocery shop so you have all the ingredients ready on the day.
- Planned meals make the evening run much more smoothly and you will avoid the temptation to grab less healthy takeaways on the way home. It also gets other household members on board – they can start food preparation if you are running late.