Five Healthy Foods That Are Always In My Kitchen

2017 – and on into 2018 – was a year of self-care for me. That started with losing 35 pounds (and still counting)! Everyone always asks me what I did, and the answer is so simple and so hard at the same time … I eat well most of the time and work out on a regular basis. Having a few healthy foods that are always in my kitchen helps keep me on track!

It’s not rocket science, but it’s not easy either. I find that having a few healthy (or reasonable) staples on-hand enables me to make better choices – especially when I’m feeling lazy or stressed.

Some Really Healthy Foods

Carrot Sticks – I don’t know when I started loving carrots so much, but it was probably sometime this year. Unfortunately, I do not love baby carrots, so I get plain old full-size ones and peel and chop them at the start of each week. While I love ranch, I try to keep healthier options like mini-guacamole cups and hummus on hand if I want something to dip them in.

Frozen Berries – Sometimes I don’t eat breakfast, but when I do, I love a good smoothie. These were also a solid choice when I went vegan for three days! They’re filling, have tons of vitamins and nutrients, and you can mix it up so it’s something new each day. I often change up my recipe – kale vs. spinach, coconut water vs. milk, but I always have frozen berries on hand to add since that’s how I make them cold.

Lifeway Kefir Smoothies – I sound smoothie obsessed, but these are really more like a yogurt drink. I love them because they’re inexpensive and good on the go. Plus have those good probiotics! Late for the bus and don’t have time for breakfast? I can grab one of these from the fridge and drink it on my way. They’re about 150 calories, so they serve as a good healthy food for a mid-day snack too.

And Some Questionably Healthy Foods

Chocolate Chips – I keep both semi-sweet and white chocolate on hand at all times. Why? Because a tablespoon of chocolate chips (about what it takes to satisfy a sweet craving for me) can save me from a much worse lapse in diet. Plus, everyone needs a little balance!

Frozen Chili – I travel a lot and I found that the days before and after leaving would often be unhealthy eating out because of a lack of food available at home. I started making crock-pot chilis – different kinds too – and leaving them in my freezer to enjoy when I don’t have the energy to think of anything else.

I wish I could say that this journey has been easy – or that there’s one quick fix. What are your best tips for trying to eat better?