4 Ways to Detox Your Kitchen
How to avoid temptation? By keeping it out of your house. Transform your kitchen into a place of nourishment and healing. Create an environment where you can make wise choices automatically.
Would you like me to help you do a pantry rehab? We can Zoom! Let me know in the comments.
Rehab Your Pantry
- Get rid of Halloween candy, Christmas chocolates, all foods that contain sugar (including juices)
- Take out any packaged foods with artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives, food coloring/dyes– check the ingredient label. If you don’t recognize the ingredient, your body won’t recognize it as food
- Remove all hydrogenated oils such as vegetable oil, corn, soybean, safflower oil
- Swap out junk food for better options (chips, crackers, snacks and granola bars)
Stock Up
Fill your pantry with foods that help the detoxification process and give your body more nutrients.
Foods rich in omega-3 fats:
- salmon
- sardines
- chia seeds
- hemp seeds
- flaxseeds
- walnuts
Foods rich in fiber:
- lentils and beans (dried and canned)
- whole grains such as old-fashioned oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice etc.
- canned tomatoes
- nut butters
Healthy oils
- coconut milk
- olive oil
- avocado oil
- coconut oil
- sesame oil
- ghee
- flaxseed oil (keep refrigerated)
Herbs and spices contain powerful anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting compounds that give you many health benefits. Adding spices to your food is a way to get your extra dose of nutritional medicine. Here are 5 core spices for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties
- Tumeric (always use with a pinch of black pepper to activate it)
- Cumin
- Rosemary
- Cayenne
- Cinnamon
Join a Farmer’s Co-op or Shop the Weekend Farmer’s Market
Load up on foods that can help your body detox – foods rich in B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants and phytochemicals. These foods are especially kind to detox processes:
- Cruciferous vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower
- Dark leafy greens like collards, kale, watercress
- Lemons and limes
- Garlic and onions
- Cilantro and Parsley
Eating nutrient-dense whole, real foods is a foundation for health. They reduce inflammation, boost your detoxification processes, immune system and metabolism.
Stock Your Freezer
I always have frozen veggies of some sort, usually edamame, spinach or broccoli, riced cauliflower or sweet potato hashbrowns. Stock up on your family favorites. Lots of options for precut, shredded veggies to jumpstart meals. Combined with pantry staples, I’ve made many a last minute meal this way.
Protein staples are grass-fed ground beef (or bison or turkey) and shrimp.
For More Empowerment
Dietitian’s Top Fridge, Pantry, and Freezer Foods – Dietetic Directions
Ten Foods to Help You Gently Detox – Culinary Nutrition
Choosing Healthy Cooking Oils – Culinary Nutrition