Z. Johnson
Food is essential to keep our bodies in check. However, if you’re constantly feeling tired, have gut issues, or lack focus, then you may need to consider what’s in your pantry. That ‘s right! Believe it or not, most of our energy and health problems can be solved by simply making healthier food swaps. So, today, I’m breaking down how you can increase your energy and health with some healthier pantry swaps.
Choose more whole foods over processed
If you’re on a fitness journey and trying to improve your health overall, you’re probably already familiar with reducing over processed foods. However, it’s easy to get caught up on the food labels. The reality is, most have hidden sugars, sodium and even oils. Instead, look for more whole foods like fresh fruits, veggies, animal protein, etc. To learn more about this topic, check out this blog post.
Minimize the canned stuff
Canned foods are convenient when it comes to saving time in the kitchen. But, wait, not so fast! You want to use fresh foods more often, because canned food has lots of additives, sodium, heavy sugars (like syrup), and other stuff that will only hurt your health.
Healthier Pantry Swaps: Cooking oils
Oils like canola, corn, safflower and other vegetables may appear healthy, but in reality, these have little to no nutrients and are high in omega-6, which causes inflammation. Choose better options like olive oil, coconut oil and avocado oil.
More whole grains and seeds over refined products
Using more whole grains and seeds over refined substitutes will give you more fiber, vitamins and minerals. This will fire up your metabolism, improve your digestion and boost your energy levels. Some great options are beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts, etc.
Coffee and tea over energy drinks are healhier pantry swaps
It can be very tempting to go for the energy drinks hype, but most of these are high in sugar, sodium, have more calories than what they claim and can cause the famous “energy crash”. Go instead for regular coffee or tea, these have more antioxidants and have less artificial ingredients.
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Healthier Pantry Swaps: Low sugar creamer over regular coffee creamer
Using low sugar creamer is the go-to if you want to save on those extra calories in your morning coffee.
Sparkling water, green tea, kombucha instead of soda
These alternatives are healthier because they have antioxidants, have a great flavor and have natural energy boost components. Soda, even if it’s “low-calorie”, has no nutrients.
Make homemade baked chips instead of regular chips
You also want to use more homemade baked chips like sweet potato, kale, beets or even regular potatoes. Commercial chips have more salt, and trans fats, since they are usually cooked in hydrogenated (“toxic”) oil.
Try oatmeal, chia pudding, porridge, yogurt parfait instead of processed cereals
Breakfasts like these are healthier options in comparison to regular sugary cereals. Oatmeal, for example, has tons of fiber and protein, vitamins and minerals. These are essential to keep you full for longer, energized all day and boost your metabolism.
Swap regular butter for nut butters and avocado
Nut butters and avocados are healthier options for your toasts or recipes. These are higher in nutrients like omega-3, and have less saturated fat. Butter, even if it’s “light”, has trans fat and little to no nutrients.
Healthier Pantry Swaps: Natural sources for your vitamins
If you thought all vitamins were natural, think twice. Most vitamin formulas have additives and other artificial ingredients. Now, they are plant-based options, and more natural. This means that the vitamins are easier to digest and absorb by the body. One of my favorite vitamins is Whole Food Women’s MultiVitamin, from the Vitamin Shoppe. These plant-based supplements contain all the essential vitamins, minerals and omega-3. I like that they are designed to improve women’s health in many ways. It helps to boost your metabolism, help you feel more energized, improve the immune system and overall support nutritional needs. Head over to the link below to check out more about Whole Food Women’s MultiVitamin, at 10% discount.
To wrap it up,
Making healthier food swaps in your pantry is easy and achievable. All you need to do is focus on choosing more whole foods over processed, check for hidden ingredients in labels and go for homemade food more often. Hope this guide helped! What are your current choices? Share your thoughts.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.
