Have you taken stock of what is in your kitchen lately? As we go about our lives, our kitchen tends to accumulate a variety of different ingredients — some of which we forget about. We recommend cleaning out your kitchen routinely to avoid cluttering and to ensure that you have the ingredients you need to succeed.
This being said, there are also some common items in the kitchen that could be causing harm to your health. Identifying these ingredients and learning better alternatives is a great way to elevate your health and to create more nutrient-dense and energizing meals.
Common Popular Items That Could Be Causing Harm to Your Health and What To Switch It Out For
Many everyday kitchen items we use without thinking twice, but these items could be doing more harm than good. Here are some common items to consider removing from your kitchen:
- Vegetable Oils: Oils are a must when it comes to creating flavorful cooking in the kitchen, but did you know that certain oils might be more harmful than others? Vegetables such as canola oil and soybean oil are two very popular options for cooking; however, these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids known to contribute to inflammation. These oils tend to be highly refined meaning that many chemicals and heat is used to extract the oil from its source. Instead, consider opting for healthy oils such as avocado oil. Avocado oil is an especially great option for those looking for a high-heat cooking oil that will offer you healthy fats and less inflammation.
- All-purpose flour is a staple in the kitchen — especially for those looking to bake. However, it is important to note that all-purpose flour or white flour is less nutritious due to the milling process it undergoes. During the milling process, the nutritious fiber and other nutrients are stripped from the flour rendering it useless when it comes to nutrition. Instead, consider opting for almond flour or coconut flour — both of which offer high nutritional value while still playing a role in the kitchen.
- Microwave Popcorn: Whether you are looking for a quick and easy late-night snack or are an avid movie watcher in your home, you most likely have microwaveable popcorn on your shelf. However, have you ever considered opting for uncooked kernels instead? Microwaveable popcorn contains potentially harmful chemicals and are usually high in refined oils and fats. Instead, consider purchasing uncooked kernels to pop on your stove with your choice of a healthy fat. This option can even leave room for more creativity and deliciousness to your late-night treat!
When it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle, simple changes like these can make all the difference!
How To Curb Sugar Cravings In a Healthy Manner
Sugar cravings can also lead to making rash decisions in the kitchen. When all you can think about is a post-dinner scoop of ice cream, it can be hard to not allow yourself the indulgence. While letting yourself indulge in your favorite sweet treats is not harmful from time to time, you do want to try and avoid these sugary cravings when you can. Here are some ways to curb your sugar cravings this week:
- Eat fruit - Fruit is nature’s candy, and we often forget about its power to curb our sweet cravings! There are a variety of different fruits out there, making it easy to find the one that most calls your name. If you are someone that tends to get late-night sweet cravings, try to keep your favorite fruit on hand in the freezer!
- Avoid artificial sweeteners - The sweetener found in many unhealthy sweets actually can push you to crave that sweet even more. Artificial sweeteners are not only harmful to your gut but your overall health. They can cause inflammation, weight gain, and a fluctuation in energy.
- Increase magnesium intake - Magnesium is an essential nutrient and can be found in foods like nuts and leafy greens. A magnesium deficiency can cause sugar cravings so be sure to keep your magnesium levels in check by increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods.
- Brush your teeth - Believe it or not, the taste of your toothpaste can actually help to curb those sugar cravings. This can be an especially helpful way to ensure you are not eating too close to bedtime, because that can also harm your digestive process.
Gut-Friendly Snacks to Make to Avoid Giving Into Cravings
A happy gut requires us to stay dedicated to our eating habits including eating foods that are rich in nutrients and low in inflammatory ingredients. Here are some delicious and gut-friendly snack options to help you curb those sugary and unhealthy cravings.
- Veggie Sticks and Hummus - Hummus is rich in probiotics similarly to a probiotic for bloating which makes it a great option for gut health. It tends to be jam-packed with spices and other flavor-enriching ingredients making it a delicious snack that also offers health benefits. Veggie sticks pair greatly with hummus due to their refreshing nature and low-calorie levels.
- Roasted Chickpeas - Roasted chickpeas are underrated in the kitchen. They can be used to add crunch to any meal and can offer you the fiber you need to support your gut. Consider tossing your chickpeas in your favorite seasonings before roasting for some added flavor.
- Homemade Trail Mix - Pre-bough trail mix can still be incredibly beneficial depending on its contents. Making your trail-mix at home gives you the control to add as much nutrients and flavor as you would like. You can really personalize it to make it your own!
- Hard-Boiled Eggs - Eggs can be made in a variety of different ways, but people often tend to forget that hard-boiled eggs make for a great quick and easy snack. They are incredibly transferable wherever you go and can be spruced up with your favorite sauce for a high-protein option.
All of these snacks are a great way to get your energy up and your gut health in order. Let’s not forget to keep your bloating supplements in the regimen to further enhance the power of the gut-friendly ingredients!