Simple Steps to a Healthy Kitchen

Now is a great time to take a look through your refrigerator and pantry and set yourself up with a healthy kitchen. Start by looking at labels and sorting out all the unhealthy foods that sabotage your quest for a healthy lifestyle. By removing these items altogether, you also remove the tempation to use them later on. Clean house! It's good for everyone.

The overall goal is to remove items that are high in sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and refined or highly processed foods. What to replace them with? Complex carbohydrates and healthy alternatives. For example, soda should be replaced with seltzer. If you need it a little sweet, try adding a splash of juice- it's fabulous.

Start with the fridge and pantry. Focus on replacing sugary and highly-processed foods with complex carbs and healthy alternatives.

Throw out: All the "white" stuff: thick dressings, white rice, creamers, white pasta, white potatoes, chips, dip, soda, mayonnaise, pudding and just say no to Twinkies!

Keep: Vinaigrettes, spinach, nuts, sweet potatoes, whole wheat pasta, grain rice, tomatoes, oatmeal, carrots, salsa, yogurt, mustard, natural applesauce

Put on probation: Cheese, milk, butter, ice cream, eggs, cooking oil, beef

Then move on to the rest of the kitchen:

Learn to read food labels

Collect healthy, quick recipes

Get a few water bottles to keep cold water handy in the fridge

Put a bowl of fruit and granola/breakfast bars by the back door

Invest in:

Fresh food and produce

A pitcher with a filter for water

Spices so healthy food doesn't get boring

Healthy cookbooks

Buy a sturdy cutting board for fresh fruits & veggies

Get plenty of containers to portion out prepared foods, store leftovers, and pack lunches

It might be difficult for you to make all of these changes at once, so we recommend that you make changes gradually if necessary. Whatever your speed, resolve to make this year your happiest, healthiest year ever for you AND your family.

This article copied and adapted from information found on Sparkpeople.com