Isn’t that what you are supposed to do if you want to lose weight? Personally, I don’t think doing a tyrannical sweep of your pantry is going to solve your problem. Why? Wasting food, even though I don’t consider chips and cookies food, isn’t reality. You probably worked hard to buy whatever you have. So, if throwing it out in a fit of healthy rage isn’t in the cards, oh well. BUT, if you are really serious about losing weight or becoming a healthier version of you, don’t buy it anymore. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. If it isn’t in the house, you won’t eat it. You will transition into a healthier lifestyle and have a better chance of staying on track. For some people the cold turkey method does work. If it doesn’t work for you, this approach will ease you in.
Weight loss is 80% of what you eat and only 20% based off of your workout. If you are serious about making changes, make them permanent. If you are looking for a ‘diet’, you will most definitely lose weight, but you will find it again and be right back to where you started. Trust me, I’ve been there. I would take the weight off with the latest trendy diet, then it would come back to haunt me when I discovered carbs again. If you learn how food works, and what to eat, you can splurge occasionally. You have to look at the indulgent foods as treats, not something you nourish yourself with.
So, what should you have in your pantry and fridge? Keeping the items below on hand, will help you change your eating habits.
Fridge:
Almond milk
Olive Oil mayo
String Cheese
Almond Butter
Smart Balance Butter
Ground Turkey or Pork
Chicken Thighs or Breasts
mustard
Dill Pickles
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
Parmesan Cheese (not in the green container)
Natural Bliss Creamer or Half n Half
Eggs (preferable organic)
Spinach
Bell Peppers (any color)
Cauliflower
garlic
Greek Yogurt
Turkey lunch meat (one without preservatives if possible)
Kale
Romain Lettuce
mushrooms
onion
Pantry
Apples
Grape Fruit
Bananas
Natural Peanut Butter
Protein Powder
Low Carb whole wheat tortillas
Dark chocolate
A multivitamin
almonds, cashews, peanuts, not roasted
coconut milk
protein bars
quinoa
brown rice
High Protein High Fiber multi-grain Cereal (that is actually what mine is called, by Eating Right)
Whole Grain Pasta or Barilla Plus Pastas
Balsamic Vinegar
Olive Oil
Sea Salt (fine)
Black Pepper Grinder
Green Tea bags
Whole Grain Bread or Whole Grain Extra Fiber Bread
Spices (they add flavor without fat)
Dates