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