With Spring in full force, it's time to not just spring clean your shoe closet but your pantry too. We have 4 tips to help you spring clean your pantry to get your health and weight loss back on track.
Clean out the Junk
If you indulged in one too many Tim Tams during the winter months, chances are your pantry is filled with comfort food. Chocolate. Chips. Biscuits. You name it, it's time to ditch it. You are doing yourself no favours by consuming these empty calories. Bring them to work or give them away if you can't bear throwing them in the bin but make sure they are out of sight out of mind! That's not to say you can't leave a few treats, but leave ones you know you can have control of. Dark chocolate is a great pantry staple when you're craving something sweet.
Consider your condiments
Sauces (e.g. tomato, BBQ and even soy sauce) are loaded with hidden sugars and are secret killers for weight loss. Adding just a bit of tomato sauce to your dinner can increase your sugar count and spike your blood sugar levels, making it harder for you to lose weight. Don't forget that the World Health Organisation only recommends 6 teaspoons of sugar per day. Ditch the packaged sauce and go for varieties you can make at home or add some spices to your meat dishes instead.
Swap out refined carbs for whole grains
With a Spring in your step, aim to eat complex carbohydrates rather than refined or processed carbs whenever possible. Your pantry is probably filled with refined carbs such as cereals, white pasta, and ramen noodles as they are usually go-to items in the supermarket. These types of carbs are typically processed to remove nutrient-rich husk resulting in a higher GI level and making it hard for your body to break down. Instead opt for whole grains (e.g. oats, brown rice, quinoa) for your cooking staples.
Stock up on packaged protein
Canned tuna, salmon and even sardines are excellent sources of protein and can be quickly turned into several nutritious meals for a last-minute lunch or busy dinner. They can turn any salad into a protein-rich meal, so having these lifesavers in your pantry can ensure you hit your weight loss goals. Almonds, Brazilian nuts, and pistachios are also excellent sources of healthy fats to store in the pantry.
