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Spring Cleaning: 5 Items You Need in Your Fridge
by Monica Stevens Le, Founder at The Movement Menu
Spring is here and that means we all have room to make for one thing: Spring cleaning! Keep in mind Spring cleaning is so much more than adjusting our wardrobe to match the new warm(er) weather outside. Moreover, Spring cleaning is about freeing ourselves from physical clutter in order to get rid of mental clutter. What if we told you that Spring cleaning your diet could result in a more focused attention span? Going through your pantry and refrigerator may seem daunting but the reward at the end of that long, dark tunnel is completely worth it! This Spring, we’re here to fill you in on five absolute must-haves for your refrigerator. Be sure to incorporate these items as soon as you finish cleaning out the fridge!
- Pastured eggs
Don’t be fooled by labels at your local grocery store, claiming their eggs to be “farm fresh”, “cage free” or “organic”. This does not actually mean anything about the animal’s welfare, nor does it have anything to do with what the animals were fed. If you want nutritious and healthy eggs, check out your local farmer’s market. Heck, you can find a local farmer selling eggs on Craigslist! Go ahead and head over to where those chickens are raised. You’ll be able to see exactly what the living conditions are and what they’re being fed.
2. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are one of nature’s biggest superfoods. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare (try making a chia pudding or adding them to your favorite smoothie), but they are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, full of antioxidants and deliver a massive amounts of nutrients, including fiber, protein, magnesium, etc. Note: Chia seeds are a pantry item and only need to be refrigerated after being opened.
3. Coconut cream
Coconut cream is one of the healthiest fat sources you should include in your diet! It contains lauric acid, antimicrobial lipids and capric acid, which all have antibacterial and antiviral properties (1). Try adding coconut cream to your morning cup of coffee instead of creamer, use it in your favorite soups, stews and curries or whip it to make coconut whipped cream!
Tip: Make sure you buy coconut cream/milk cans that are BPA-free. The cans should be kept in the pantry but after you open them, transfer the cream to an airtight glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
4. Organic, full fat yogurt from grassfed cows
Although our country has just been coming to terms with the idea that fat is not the demon it has been pegged to be over the past several decades, it’s no surprise that full fat organic yogurt coming from grassfed cows is better for you and your gut than low fat yogurt from grain-fed cows is. When animals are given food they can eat in order to function properly and naturally thrive, they produce more nutrient-dense milk. “Dairy’s fatty acids may also play a role in gene expression and hormone regulation. In simple terms, these acids may crank up how much energy your body burns, or limit the amount of fat your body stores.”(2) Next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to look for a whole milk yogurt that is preferably organic and comes from grassfed cows.
5. Riced cauliflower
Riced cauliflower is all the rage right now. Why? You can turn it into a low carbohydrate version of fried rice, that’s why! Cauliflower is packed with potassium, fiber and vitamin C (3). After you cook it in a frying pan with some high quality fat, vegetables, scrambled eggs, etc. it tastes even better than the “real deal”! Lucky for us, many grocery stores including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and even Target have come out with their own brand of cauliflower rice. All you need to do is heat it up. No mess is a huge plus in our books!
So, has this transition from extremely cold weather have you feeling rather sluggish? Maybe it’s finally time to figure out why you’re feeling this way. Truth be told, it could be something you’re eating every day. Why not give that dusty pantry a nice clean sweep and restock that refrigerator? Put down that take out menu and refocus all of your attention on eating whole foods that are nutrient dense and packed with vitamins and nutrients. Be sure to incorporate the 5 foods listed above in order to access feeling your absolute best each day!