A home remodel or even just a trendy wardrobe update can give you a fresh outlook on life. But if you want to make a difference in your health, try a different kind of update – a refrigerator makeover. Start by phasing out unhealthful foods, such as sugary drinks, fatty meats and whole-milk products. Consuming foods and beverages like these can lead to health problems, such as being overweight or having diabetes or a high cholesterol level.
“The terrible triad of salt, fats and sugar – often masquerading as corn syrup – actually programs the brain to crave foods saturated with these ingredients,” says Peter Mjos, MD, family medicine specialist at Providence Senior Care Center. “Refrigerator makeovers are an effective way to eliminate the terrible triad and move toward healthy dining.”
Now that you have more room in your fridge, stock the shelves with foods that promote good health, such as:
- Colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. For healthful snacks, place cut up fruits and veggies up front in the refrigerator, where they’re easy to grab.
- Reduced-fat versions of cheeses such as Swiss or Monterey Jack. In fact, make all of your dairy products – including milk – nonfat or low-fat.
- Frozen veggies. Stack them next to some low-fat frozen yogurt or fruit sorbet.
- Fruit juice. Make sure it’s 100 percent juice.
- Fish (such as wild Alaska salmon), poultry and lean cuts of meat (if you eat meat).
- Soft margarine or a spread containing plant sterols, such as Take Control, instead of butter. Check the label and choose a brand of margarine without trans fat, which raises your cholesterol.
- Whole-wheat or corn tortillas.
Your updated fridge can give you a healthy edge. And it can start a family trend – kids eat more fruits and veggies if these foods have a featured place in your refrigerator.
“Children eating a nutritious breakfast demonstrate improved energy, learning, memory, attentiveness and behaviors,” Dr. Mjos says.