How to Stock a Healthy Refrigerator

If you are what you eat, then what your refrigerator contains will go a long way toward determining the healthfulness of your diet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Prepare fresh fruit and vegetables as soon as you come home from the market. Peel, chop and slice, then place ready to eat fruit and vegetables in separate containers. Include finger foods such as baby carrots, snap peas, snow peas and berries.

2. Low-fat, no-fat or dairy substitutes. Skim milk, 1 percent milk, soy milk, low- or nonfat yogurt, string cheese, 1 percent cottage cheese or ricotta cheese.

3. Lean protein and fish. Chicken or turkey breast, tofu, fish. If you buy beef or pork, the key is to buy leaner cuts and trim any visible fat before cooking.

4. Keep filtered water or seltzer on the shelf. You will always have a healthy drink handy and will be less likely to drink soda. Even diet soda is not as healthy for you as water.

5. Butter, margarine and eggs. Use real butter, but sparingly. Keep sticks in a covered dish or freeze until you are ready to use. The only healthy butter substitutes are soft margarine in tubs and those labeled "trans-fat free." Keep eggs in their carton or special egg container to maintain freshness.

6. Prepare foods as “ready to eat” meals. Put the entree with the vegetables and other side items on a plate and cover for the next day's lunch or dinner. If you walk in starving, there will be healthy food for you to eat.

7. Buy low sodium or organic chicken broth in resealable cartons. Use it to cook rice or sauté vegetables for rich flavor without butter or oil.

[greatgreat8]

on 5/15/2009 Great information stock a healthy refrigeration, I love healthy foods