How many of you spent the weekend watching movies in your PJs avoiding the ‘arctic storm’?. Each winter people tend to spend more time indoors and at home. With extra time spent indoors it’s not unusual to gather and hoard food like you’re in some sort of hibernation.
This week I challenge you to delve into the depths of your vegetable crisper, the overcrowded freezer and the dark corners of the pantry. If you want to avoid turning into a stale winter bear, it’s time to overhaul the kitchen and give it a freshen up. Ditch the processed, the ‘out-of-date’ and restock with fresh, minimally processed delights.
Where to start? Grab a bin and get ready to be ruthless. It is time to ditch (or pass on) the following items.
DITCH:
1. Old vegetables and fruit looking grey, bendy or mouldy
2. Everything that is out of date
3. Bottles and jars of sauces, condiments, spreads and pastes that you haven’t used in 12 months
4. Deli and processed meats and fresh cheeses that you bought over a month ago and now smell rank
5. Items you bought for your Australia Day BBQ that were opened but not consumed (old dips, quince pastes, antipasto vege, salami) and have been lurking in the side door for a short eternity
6. Frozen foods that have gathered ice crystals and are stuck to the walls because they have been there for years!
7. Items that contain a chemistry list of ingredients
8. Anything you bought to try (i.e. that trendy ‘miracle’ food) but thought tasted God awful and you know you won’t actually consume
9. Clean, wipe, spray and wash all surfaces
STOCK:
1. Fresh, seasonal winter fruits and vegetables. Your vegetable crisper should be a kaleidoscope of colour ready for hearty soups, delicious stir fries and comforting roasts.
2. Reduced fat milk and natural yoghurt
3. Fresh lean proteins like chicken breasts, trimmed pork steaks, steak and Premium beef/kangaroo or turkey mince
4. A tub of hummus to use as a spread or as a veggie stick snack
5. A small block of cheese
6. Fresh eggs
7. Fresh herbs, garlic and ginger
Filling your refrigerator with lovely fresh, wholefoods is the first step in keeping your winter kilos at bay and consuming optimal nutrition. Next, grab a pen and paper and Meal Plan for the week. Keeping organised is the key to good health and if you have vibrant ingredients on hand you will emerge from this winter feeling your absolute best!
Until next time.
Eat well, be well!
Lisa Donaldson APD
www.FEEDinc.net
