how to stock a healthy fridge

How to stock your fridge like an adult?

Try to keep plenty of breathing room in between foods or consider going shopping more frequently (with smaller grocery runs). Next, and before we get to cleaning, it’s a good time to …

How to properly stock a refrigerator?

May 23, 2021 · How to stock your fridge with healthy snacks. Eggs. Eggs are one thing I always try to buy organic and pasture-raised, which means that the chickens were allowed to roam …

How to stock your refrigerator and pantry for healthy eating?

Dairy/Protein (20% of your shopping list) Whole wheat, amaranth, quinoa, rice (brown, wild), barley, corn bran, couscous, kamut, millet, oats, rye, spelt, and teff. Lower-fat dairy or dairy alternative, …

How long does food last in the fridge?

May 18, 2015 · At least one of the following: Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini. Lemons and limes – Have some cut up and ready to add to a glass of water or green tea, or to squeeze over just …

What should you always have in your fridge?

How do you properly stock a fridge?

How do I make a well stocked fridge?

How many days should a stock be refrigerated?

What can you put in your fridge to make it smell good?

How do you stock a fridge like an adult?

How do you stock a small fridge?

What is needed for a well-stocked kitchen?

What are some good substitutes for hummus?

Hummus#N#Keep tubs on hand, plus bags of baby carrots. The combo is a low-fat, high-protein snack alternative to hunks of cheese or a fistful of cookies.#N#Cheese#N#Replace mellow, soft cheeses with sharp, harder ones. A small amount packs lots of flavor, saving you both dollars and fat grams. Look for aged Cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano.#N#Eggs#N#Keep eggs in their carton on a lower shelf to guard against the loss of carbon dioxide and moisture. The shells may look impermeable, but they are covered with tiny holes that can absorb odors and flavors.#N#Butter and margarine#N#Use real butter where it counts, but sparingly. Keep sticks in a covered dish. (Freeze sticks you're not using.) When it comes to margarine, soft kinds in tubs and those labeled "trans-fat free" are the only healthy butter substitutes.#N#Chicken broth#N#Buy it in resealable cartons. Use it to cook rice, mash potatoes, or saute vegetables for rich flavor without butter or oil. (Add broth to a warm skillet with the vegetables; cover and cook until tender.) Look for low-sodium or organic broth.#N#Yogurt#N#As with milk, go for low-fat instead of nonfat to enjoy more flavor. You can bake with it or drain it through a coffee filter for yogurt "cheese."#N#Milk#N#One percent milk has enough fat for baking but isn't unhealthy to drink. Buy milk in opaque containers to protect it from light, which can reduce the vitamin content.#N#Orange juice#N#Select juice that is calcium fortified. There's barely any difference in taste, and drinking one glass will give you a third of your recommended daily allowance of calcium.

How to clean refrigerator drawers with baking soda?

Refrigerator drawers: Remove them and soak for 15 minutes in hot, soapy water in the sink. Drain, sprinkle the insides with baking soda, and wipe clean with a sponge. Still smell something? Use this age-old trick: Wipe down drawers with a cloth dipped in undiluted tomato juice, rinse with warm water, and dry.

What is the best dressing for a weak spot?

Oils, Water, Produce. Your healthiest bottled-dressing options are vinaigrettes made with olive oil, but if you have a weak spot for creamy dressings you can make them last longer (and eat fewer calories) by thinning them with milk, mild rice vinegar, or herb tea.

What to do with a resealable carton of broth?

Buy it in resealable cartons. Use it to cook rice, mash potatoes, or saute vegetables for rich flavor without butter or oil. (Add broth to a warm skillet with the vegetables; cover and cook until tender.) Look for low-sodium or organic broth. Yogurt.

What is the best tofu to eat?

Soybeans. Here is the healthy, high-protein snack that will break you of the potato-chips-before-dinner habit. Edamame (soybeans in their pods) are the best-tasting tofu alternative. Drop them frozen into boiling water for a few minutes, drain, and salt.

What does a frozen marshmallow taste like?

When frozen, marshmallows get caramel-chewy and grapes end up tasting like cold gumdrops. Either will give you satisfaction without giving you fat.

What happens if you leave spinach out overnight?

When vegetables lose moisture, they get limp and may lose vitamins. Spinach can lose as much as 50 percent of its vitamin C if left out overnight. Oils.

What to eat instead of white rice?

Grains and beans. Buy whole grains whenever you can. Eat brown rice instead of white rice. Choose whole wheat and corn tortillas, not flour. Dry beans and grains are cheaper than canned or processed.

How to store slow cooked grains?

Tip: Make a batch of slow-cooking grains on the weekend and store in the fridge. Toss it into bowls, salads, and other dishes when you’re short on time.

What vegetables are good for you?

Vegetables. When you eat fresh vegetables, you get the full benefits of their vitamins and minerals. Green beans, kale, bell peppers, and many other vegetables pack fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. Precut choices like baby carrots and cauliflower florets are healthy, too.

What meats have the most saturated fat?

Meats and seafood. Buy lean cuts of meat like loin, tenderloin, and sirloin. Or trim the fat before cooking. Red meat like beef, pork, and lamb generally have more saturated “bad” fats than poultry and fish.

Is fresh fruit good for you?

Fruit. Fresh fruit is good for you and better than the canned versions with added sugars. Just watch for sweet, high-carb choices like mangoes, cherries, and grapes.

Can you freeze vegetables and fruits?

Freezer. This is an underused storage space for healthy eating. Frozen veggies and fruits can be just as nutritious as the fresh version, with no added sugars or salt. And you can enjoy frozen produce year-round.

Can you store starchy vegetables in the fridge?

Tip: Don't store starchy vegetables in the fridge, like potatoes and butternut squash. Don't refrigerate tomatoes, which are actually fruits. Dairy. Reduced-fat or low-fat yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and milk have fewer calories. Watch for sugar in flavored yogurt.

What temperature should my fridge be?

Next, and before we get to cleaning, it’s a good time to check your fridge’s temperature. The ideal temperature is 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) or below. Anything warmer than that increases the risk of growing harmful food bacteria. And if it’s too cold, some foods might freeze.

What should the inside of a fridge feel like?

In my opinion, the inside of your fridge should feel fresh, clean, and appropriately filled with appealing and easy-to-grab healthy foods. If you look in there and feel like you can’t find anything to eat, that’s not optimal.

Where should meat be stored in the fridge?

Meat should be stored in the lowest area of the fridge to prevent it from leaking onto other foods. Every morning, I check what the plan is for dinner, pull out the appropriate meat from the freezer, and put it in the bottom drawer. (I’m a huge fan of buying organic meat in bulk to save money.)

Is glass better than plastic?

Glass is not only a better and safer way to store and heat foods (in comparison to plastic), but it also makes leftovers or prepped meals look more appealing. And it’s really easy to see what’s in them. If you don’t have any, consider investing in some glass containers. I prefer white lids because it looks cleaner.

Who is Anika Christ?

Anika Christ, RD, CPT. Anika Christ is a registered dietitian, personal trainer, and the director of client optimization at Life Time. She’s known to many as “Coach Anika,” and is one of the original virtual coaches who continues to lead a number of digital programs each year.

How to avoid processed foods?

Make fridge rules. Here are a few to get you started: Avoid processed foods. Don’t stock foods that contain trans fats or white flour. If sugar is the top ingredient, don’t buy it. Often, the more ingredients on the food label, the more wary you should be. Seek healthy alternatives to old favorites.

How to store trail mix?

Make your own trail mix and store it in ¼ cup sandwich bags. Pre-portion peanut butter (The natural kind…just peanuts and nothing else!) so you don’t go overboard when smearing it on whole-grain crackers. When you have leftovers, divide them in appropriate portions before you store them. Cut and mix ahead of time.

What to put on fruit salad to prevent browning?

Squeeze lemon or lime on a fruit salad to prevent browning. We’re not talking about artificially sweetened water, but rather a large pitcher of water with natural flavor from a fruit, vegetable or herb of your choice. Mint, lemons, limes, berries, oranges, cucumbers — find your flavor, and keep it stocked.

Is Nix juice good for you?

Nix the juice (or any drink with calories) You’re better off quenching your thirst with water than taking a swig of juice when you’re thirsty — and getting extra calories without a lot of extra nutrition. The more swigs, the more those calories add up. Pair your foods.

Is Cleveland Clinic a non profit?

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cle veland Clinic products or services. Policy

What is Jordan's milk called?

One of my best friends, Jordan makes this nut milk called Fronks that is the absolute best—it makes an incredible latté in my little milk frother. The “original” is made with almonds, cashews, dates, cinnamon, and sea salt. Sparkling water.

How many herbs should I put in my fridge?

I usually keep two to three fresh herbs in my fridge at once, stored in a mason jar (like a vase) with a little water at the bottom. Cilantro, parsley, mint, basil, chives, and dill are in my regular rotation.

Why do I keep rosé in the fridge?

Wine. We have a separate wine fridge where we keep most of our wine, but I always like to keep a bottle of rosé in the fridge because I like it to be really cold.

What cheese to use for last minute cheeseboard?

Gruyere or blue cheese. I try to keep a few things on hand for last-minute cheeseboard supplies, so if I’ve got a good, aged cheese, plus some crackers, nuts, and olives, I’m all set to put together a pretty great last-minute appetizer situation. My favorite blues for a cheese plate are stilton or cambozola.

What is the only processed meat we buy?

Bacon. This is usually the only “processed” meat we buy, partially because my kids refuse to eat lunch meat, and partially to avoid nitrates. That said, we love a good BLT (or my BLT salad! ), and on the weekend, it’s hard to beat that pancakes and bacon combo.

What do you use sour cream for?

Sour cream. We use sour cream for two things at our house: loaded baked potatoes (my favorite “I don’t know what to make for dinner” solution), and nachos.

What are some good foods to throw in school lunches?

Apples and clementines. Another one that I always have around for my kids: perfect for throwing into their school lunches.

What is the best food to eat for a week?

Dairy: Low-fat milk/soy/almond milk, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese. Meat: Chicken breast, shrimp, cold-water marine fish (great source of omega s) Oils: Olive oil, grape seed oil, toasted sesame oil ( great for flavor!) Remember, just looking at your fridge and pantry will tell you how healthy you will eat that week.

Where do whole grains stay fresh?

Whole grains or grain flours: Most last longer and stay fresher in the freezer or back of the fridge in an air-tight container.

What happens if you triple your recipe?

Portion your cooked meals into “eat now,” “leftovers,” and “freezer meals.” If you triple your recipe portions, you will save lots of time and also make choosing your healthy meals a lot easier since they are ready to go.

How to store fresh vegetables in the refrigerator?

Asparagus, celery, green onions, and fresh spices like cilantro/parsley should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped with a moist paper towel, or you can stand them up in a glass of cold water wrapped with a damp paper towel.

Where to store meat in fridge?

Dairy/meat: Store in the back of the fridge! Do not store them in the front or in the door for food safety.

What to eat with salsa?

Salsa doubles as a dip or is wonderful over fish, chicken, scrambled eggs …. You get the idea. If you can keep most of these items in your refrigerator, you can build a quick meal. And those crucial snack cravings I mentioned? Carrots, apples, olives, cheese and berries all have super flavor and texture (not to mention nutrients) to help curb your appetite. Dip carrots or apple slices in nut butter for a sweet craving. If you make smoothies, any combination of the spinach, carrots, celery, and berries make a great smoothie. My family makes smoothies every day so I also have fresh pineapple, cucumbers and frozen cranberries on hand. Cranberries are seasonal, so I stock up at the end of January and then have them available for the rest of the year- they’re worth their space in the freezer.

What are some good recipes for salsa?

I try to have two kinds because salsa seems to run out quickly and it’s also nice to have variety, like a peach salsa and a garlic salsa. Hummus. Homemade Hummus is easy, but some fresh store-bought varieties are excellent choices. Fresh guacamole or sliced avocadoes.

What are some good foods to curb appetite?

Carrots, apples, olives, cheese and berries all have super flavor and texture (not to mention nutrients) to help curb your appetite. Dip carrots or apple slices in nut butter for a sweet craving. If you make smoothies, any combination of the spinach, carrots, celery, and berries make a great smoothie.

What vegetables can I put in water?

Carrots. Celery. Ginger root. Onions – At least yellow and green. At least one of the following: Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini. Lemons and limes – Have some cut up and ready to add to a glass of water or green tea, or to squeeze over just about anything.

What vegetables are good for a baby?

Spinach (Baby spinach is even more nutritious than regular and has a milder flavor) Parsley. Leafy green lettuce. Bell peppers – At least a green and a red bell pepper. Hot peppers of some sort – Jalapeno or milder Anaheim. Carrots. Celery. Ginger root. Onions – At least yellow and green.

Is it healthy to keep a little morsel in the fridge?

These little morsels are low in calories and high in protein and healthy fats. So it’s a smart idea to make a little snack like that to keep stocked in the refrigerator too. This is a true list of what I keep stocked in my fridge.

Is pickle juice healthy?

Pickles are not a hugely healthy option, but are great at staving off hunger and satisfying a savory craving. Plus, pickle juice adds zip to homemade tartar sauce and fry sauce. Cheese- One hard, like Parmesan or Romano and one soft, like cheddar and mozzarella.

What is the best way to store fresh fruit and vegetables in the fridge?

Fruits and vegetables tend to have the shortest shelf life of all the items in your refrigerator (some are in their prime for just one to three days!), so utilizing a crisper drawer is a good idea for these foods. A crisper drawer has a different humidity level than the rest of the fridge, which can optimize freshness for produce.

How cold should a refrigerator be?

(For the record, the temperature of your refrigerator should be set to 40°F or below. You can adjust it using the thermostat on the inside.) For example, the temperature of the fridge door shelves fluctuates due to frequent opening and closing. In contrast, the inner shelves of the fridge are best able to maintain a stable, cold temperature. And those crisper drawers we tend to forget about? They can have a low or high humidity level, which is an especially good feature for certain kinds of produce.

Why is the refrigerator important?

It’s where we store many different foods in order to maintain their quality and freshness, prolong their shelf life and decrease the risk of foodborne illness.

How long does dairy last in the fridge?

Dairy, if refrigerated properly, typically has a shelf-life of seven days to one month, depending on when the item was opened and the type of product. ( See more details on the shelf life of specific dairy products here.) To be safe, check date labels (which are often an indication of quality, not safety) and monitor for any potential odor, flavor or appearance change that could indicate food is no longer safe to eat. When it comes to location in the fridge, dairy products need a stable, cold temperature to maintain freshness, so storing on an inner shelf, as opposed to within a door, is best for cow’s milk, cottage cheese, hard and soft cheeses and yogurt. Even though there is often a butter storage compartment on the door of the fridge, it’s better to store butter well inside the fridge with the rest of your dairy products.

How long can you keep raw meat in the fridge?

Fresh red meats last three to five days and fresh raw poultry lasts one to two days in the fridge before needing to be cooked or frozen.

What temperature should a freezer be set to?

The freezer should be set to a temperature of 0°F or colder. Frozen food generally has a much longer shelf life than refrigerated food, but its quality may begin to deteriorate after an extended period of time.

How cold do eggs have to be to be sold?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires eggs produced in the United States to be sold and transported at 45°F or less. Once eggs have been refrigerated at any point in the production process, they must be kept refrigerated from that point forward.

What to put in mini fridge for lunch?

Lunch meat is a great addition to any mini fridge due to its versatility. Roll it up with cheese or keep some bread in your room to make easy sandwiches. Other options for protein pick-me-ups include peanut or almond butter and edamame. Make a peanut or almond butter sandwich or eat it with apples, and try adding edamame to your lunch meat roll-ups ...

How to keep track of what you have to buy?

One way to keep track of what food you have to buy and eat is to create a shopping list and then hang it on your fridge after you get back from the grocery store. This way, you know what snacks you have before you even open your fridge, and it serves as a constant visible reminder to eat your food before it expires!

What is the best water to put in a mini fridge?

Coconut water is also a great addition to any mini fridge due to its electrolytes and refreshing taste. Although some people do not like the flavor, it can also come infused with fruit juices, such as peach and pineapple, to make for a very tropical tasting drink.

What to keep in mini fridge?

Fruits and vegetables are one of the best things to keep in your mini fridge! Fruit makes a fantastic on-the-go breakfast, a great afternoon snack or a nutritious late night bite when you are staying up to study!

What is the best drink to drink at night?

Fruit and vegetable juices are great pick-me-ups and can satisfy a late night craving for a sweet drink. While coffee is delicious, you’ll regret drinking it at midnight when you have an 8:00 am class the next day. Natural juice, such as Santa Cruz Organic, Simply Orange or Whole Foods 365 brand juices, can be a late night treat or an early morning drink, without caffeine or added sugars contained in coffee and soda.

Is Greek yogurt good for you?

Greek yogurt with granola is a healthy, protein-rich breakfast option that will keep you fuller longer. Additionally, individual packaged yogurt is stackable and does not take up much space in your fridge. Lunch meat is a great addition to any mini fridge due to its versatility.

What are some good snacks to study?

Apples and oranges have long shelf lives and can be stored for weeks before they expire. Veggies are also great study snacks, providing you with the energy you need to keep working throughout those late nights in your floor lounge! ...