Spring cleaning your pantry for better health

Spring is here Is it time to clean your pantry?

It's also an opportunity to redefine your eating habits to get you back on track, or even better, keep it there! Who needs a healthy restart from time to time? I know that I do it

Enjoy the longest hours of the day and take the time to reorganize and refresh your pantry to spin and use items that have been pushed onto the back of the rack. It's a great way to stay efficient in the kitchen while saving time and energy to plan and prepare meals.

Where should I start? Here are some tips to clean and store a healthy pantry that will help you prepare your meals for the week quickly, easy to cook and rich in nutrients.

Check the data on all products in the box (stored correctly) in your pantry. The best expiration date is recommended for better taste or better quality. Although this date has already passed, it is still safe to eat. I use these elements in soups or combination dishes to use them. The date "use before" is another story. Use the product to get the best quality on the day of use, and discard it if later than this date.

Is it time to buy new containers for noodles, rice and other basic products that continue to fall into the package? Sealing these items prevents insect infestation and keeps your shelves clean.

If you find items that you do not use, leave them at the nearest food bank.

Full grain with wholegrain: quinoa, couscous and wholemeal pasta, bulgur, barley, wholegrain rice and farro.

Take stock of your canned tomato products and buy tomato paste with little salt, salsa, diced tomatoes (regular and flavored, I like roasted fire) to quickly add flavor to soups, stews and stews.

Buy a variety of canned cans of beans, such as cannellini, black, pinto and chickpeas, or add dry beans (think lentils, red, dark blue) to salads, pilaws, mixed dishes and soups. Or use them as a base for vegetarian or vegan meals.

Always have canned fish like tuna, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines and even oysters for use in quick lunches and snacks that add an anti-inflammatory boost.

Choosing healthy cereals to eat hot or cold (or as a snack) is a good start to the day. To choose a healthy grain, use my 5-5-10 rule: Each serving must contain less than 10 grams of sugar and more than 5 grams of protein and fiber. Never run out of oatmeal, neither steel nor rolls.

Keep chicken broth, beef and vegetables in a little salt, as well as coconut milk and clam juice.

Reconstruct your favorite nut butter, which consists only of nuts and salt.

Kim Larson is a dietitian, health and wellness trainer and founder of Total Health. Visit www.facebook.com/totalhealthnutrition or www.totalhealthrd.com for more information. Follow her on Twitter @ healthrd.

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