Spring Clean Your Eating Habits!
Posted on: Wednesday May 29th, 2019
Posted by: Lisa Ruscica
Spring cleaning can be a therapeutic practice — out with the old, the unused and the clutter. Why not do the same for your pantry this spring?
Cleaning out your kitchen cupboards, your fridge and your pantry can make you feel lighter (both mentally and physically). Besides cleaning out foods that are expired or spoiled, you can use this as an opportunity to remove the not-so-healthy foods that have accumulated in your cupboards.
Just as you swap out your heavy winter clothing once spring arrives, you can do the same for your food. Replace heavy, winter meals with lighter foods — lots of fresh fruits and vegetables!
If you want your family to cut down on sugars and processed foods, the best way to do that is to just not buy it. If it’s not in the house, you’ve already won half the battle! By replacing processed foods with nutritious alternatives, you’ll improve your eating habits — and of course your families, too.
Here are some great alternatives you can stock up on to fight the fight against processed foods:
- Switch out processed peanut butter for natural nut butter (almond, peanut and cashew butter are great!)
- Switch out candy and sugar-filled milk chocolate for dark chocolate and dates
- Processed cereals can be switched out for homemade granola (check our recipe below)
- Ditch the preservatives and hidden ingredients in store-bought salad dressings and get the ingredients to make your own (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon, garlic and tahini work wonderfully)
- Get rid of processed white pasta and replace it with a healthier alternative such as whole grain pasta, brown rice noodles or lentil penne (your kids won’t even notice!)
Homemade Granola
If you find that your children are begging for the fun, brightly coloured and sugar-filled cereal, you can suggest a family activity of making this homemade granola together. Having the kids in on the baking process can make them more likely to give it a fair chance!
What you need:
- 1/3 Cup Oats
- 4 tsp Brown Sugar
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Vanilla
- 2 tsp Veggie Oil
- 1/3 Cup Coconut
- 1/3 Cup Cranberries
What to do:
- Make sure to wash your hands before you begin.
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- Add brown sugar, oil, cinnamon, coconut and vanilla to a small saucepan; stir and mix well. Brown over medium heat, then pour over dry ingredients. Stir to coat.
- Spread mixture evenly on parchment lined baking pan.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes then stir.
- Continue to bake until crispy and toasted – approx. another 10 minutes.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @kidcochildcare and on Instagram @cheflisaruscica!
Cheers,
Chef Lisa Ruscica
Chief Food Ambassador