Spring is in the air full force and this time of year I love to clean out closets, cabinets and my garage. It is always necessary to clean out the old to make room for the new! Did you know that the most effective way to stay healthy is to clean out your refrigerator, pantry and freezer and eliminate the unhealthy foods and stock it with healthy food choices? This process will allow you to select something healthy next time you feel like snacking!

Items to have on hand for healthy eating include lean meats like chicken or turkey, canned tuna, hard cooked eggs or hummus.  A fruit bowl on the counter could include some bananas, apples and pears or have cut up fruit in the refrigerator such as pineapple, berries or cantaloupe melon. Handy snacking items for vegetables include cut up peppers, cucumbers, carrots, celery, small grape tomatoes and leaf lettuce, spinach or kale for salads. In the dairy section select high protein Greek yogurts and almond milk for smoothies which have fewer carbohydrates than regular milk. For healthy carbohydrates select better choices like oatmeal, quinoa, shredded wheat and high fiber crackers like Wasa or Triscuits and pitas or tortillas for sandwiches. I like Joseph’s brand for pitas and Mission gluten free tortillas for sandwiches.

By creating a micro-environment of health in your home and office you are on the road to creating better health for yourself and your loved ones! Here’s to a wonderful Spring & Memorial Day Weekend!