Refresh Your Fridge for Spring
Replace Unhealthy Foods to Re-energize Your Eating
Spring cleaning time is here. That means there are windows to wash, cluttered closets to clear, and patios to prep. Add to the list organizing your pantry and fridge. What better time than spring to re-evaluate your food choices? Take note of all the goods on hand, toss unhealthy choices and replace them with more diabetes-friendly options. Sound daunting? Incorporate the following tips, and you’ll have a healthy kitchen in no time!
- Grab the grains. Replace white bread, rice, and pasta with whole grain versions. Here are some reasons to make the switch:
- Whole grains add fiber to your diet, reducing the risk of heart disease
- They improve your overall gastrointestinal health
- Whole grains are also a great source for vitamins and minerals—especially B-vitamins.
- Replace the sugary cereals. These products often have a lower nutritional value than their whole grain counterparts, and are high in high-glycemic carbohydrates. Instead, try Glucerna® Cereal, which comes in three delicious flavors and is specifically designed with low-glycemic carbohydrates for people with diabetes.
- Switch from whole and 2% dairy products to 1% or fat-free dairy products to reduce fat in your diet. If this seems unappealing, take it slow: substitute 2% milk for whole, then 1% milk for skim. By switching from whole to skim milk, you can save 70 calories and 8 grams of fat in every 8 ounces you drink.
- Fill your pantry and fridge with vibrant colors. Add a variety of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables to boost your fiber intake without experiencing calorie overload. Just be choosy about which fruits you keep on hand; while they’re healthy, some fruits are higher in carbohydrates and added sugars than others. Good fruits to choose include high-fiber choices like berries, grapefruit, nectarines and apples. Also, go easy on bland starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, and sweet peas to more colorful sweet potatoes and fresh green beans.
- Don’t forget to stock up on a variety of Glucerna products (cereal, shakes, and bars). Here are some reasons why:
- All Glucerna products contain a blend of low-glycemic, slowly digested carbohydrates designed to help manage blood sugar
- All Glucerna products are specifically designed for people with diabetes
- All Glucerna products are ideal for times when you want the assurance of good blood surgar control, but can't fix an entire, diabetes-friendly meal.
Eating healthy isn’t just for people with diabetes; nutritious options help reduce the risk of disease for everyone! To keep your kitchen healthy for everyone throughout the year, make lists before going to the grocery store, and stick to the script. With a little spring refrigerator cleaning, you’ll be on your way to a healthier you!