Ingredients for Healthy Living...mmm.

As I prepare to move, I've been making a list of things to buy for our fridge and pantry. I thought to share it with you today as the items listed below are great choices for a  healthy diet which supports clean eating habits! Enjoy.

Ingredients for Healthy Living

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Buy as much local product as possible! It'll be most likely without preservatives and the most fresh. You will also be supporting your local economy and farmers.
• Organic meats.
• Although I don't eat meat, I encourage meat eaters to look for organic meats and product from animals who were free range and fed wholesome diets.
• Baked goods from the store bakery or from a bakery itself
• Pre-packed breads contains a lot of crap. Buy it fresh or make it yourself!
• Dried beans (for sprouting or cooking)
• Canned beans (in water, low or no sodium)
• Variety of gluten free and whole wheat grain products (quinoa, couscous, spelt, oats, etc.)
• A full selection of herbs and spices.
• Keep your herbs free in a 'herb keeper' which you can purchase at many local grocery, kitchen or health food stores.
• A variety of healthy oils
• Canola oil (for basic cooking), hemp oil, coconut oil, a good quality olive oil
• Vinegars
• Apple cider, white, balsamic, a fruit based vinegar, etc.
• Dark chocolate
• 70% + just keep you satisfied
• Greek Yogurt
• No fat Greek yogurt is wonderful and extremely nutritious if you can handle dairy.
• Egg whites/free range whole eggs
• The colour of the egg means nothing - brown is not any better than white!
• Tea & fair trade coffee
• If you like tea and coffee, keep a fresh stock of tea and coffee on hand.
• If you must eat cheese, try these types:
• 1% cottage cheese.
• 1% ricotta
• Goat cheese (regular or herbed)
• Feta cheese (in block or pre-crumbled)
• Smoothie/baking and breakfast add ins
• Chia seeds
• Flax seed
• All natural peanut butter and 100% fruit jam
• All natural hummus
• Supplements:
• Vege Greens
• A vegan protein powder (Greens+ is an example)
• Algea (tastes awful, but its good for you!)
• Sugars:
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Agave (I don't like it, but if you do, go for it!)

A Healthy Fridge :)

Feeling like this list does not comprise close to half of your pantry and fridge? Although some pre-packaged products are okay to have once and a while, why not take a few minutes and make your own version? This idea is possible even for the time-constrained individual. If I can do it, you can too. You will cut out the crap (preservatives, sugars, fats, processed ingredients) and be proud that your ketchup was made from scratch!

Here are a few suggestions, try making your own: condiments, salad dressings, marinades, juices, crackers, pita bread tortillas, popcorn, crusts, breads, baked goods, sauces, jam, nut butters, dips etc.

What does your fridge look like? Can you make some changes? If you have any healthy suggestions to add to this list, please post a comment below!

Yours in health,
Jenna