Posted on: Thursday, May 7, 2009
One of the first things you should do if you're planning to live a healthier life is evaluate your food surroundings — specifically your fridge. Here are tips to help you determine what to upgrade:
Would you shop in a dirty, poorly laid out grocery store? Keep your fridge clean and organized into sections, just like a supermarket.
Dairy is an important source of calcium, but it can be high in calories. Make sure to stick to low- or no-fat versions.
Freeze fruits such as bananas and grapes.
Keep water or unsweetened iced tea in the front — so you grab that first. Better yet, toss the cola.
Check the label and make sure there's no added sugar and that you can pronounce everything that's in what you eat.
Always know what you're going to eat before you get there.
Use mustard, salsa, spices and other low-cal condiments to add flavor.
Fruits and veggies should be front and center and at eye level so you see them. Keep all the high-cal foods in the fruit and veggie drawer or in the back.
Use lean protein and have a few meals prepared in advance.
Batch-cooked foods and low-calorie frozen dinners can be great alternatives to fast food.
Research shows that inspirational messages and shopping lists help keep you on track.
Knowing what you have in your fridge is half the battle. Always store foods in clear, airtight containers.
Visit www.dietdetective.com for a quiz that will tell you how your refrigerator measures up.
Charles Stuart Platkin is a nutrition and public-health advocate, and author of "Breaking the FAT Pattern" (Plume, 2006). Sign up for the free Diet Detective newsletter at www.dietdetective.com.
