6 healthy foods for your fridge

On the path to healthy eating, clear your refrigerator of unwanted foods and make room for nutritious substitutes.

Updated:: 2009-10-17 17:07

Published:: 2005-04-22 00:00

By: Cary Galloway

Almond butter, soy milk and Ezekiel bread

Spring and its accompanying ritual, spring-cleaning, marks that perfect time of year to make a fresh start. This year, instead of simply bringing order to your bedroom closets and other storage spaces, why not peek into your fridge and decide which items could use a makeover? Put your refrigerator at the top of your cleaning list and take note of healthier items you can grab the next time you're at the grocery store.

1. Almond butter vs. peanut butter
Almond butter is a great alternative to the run-of-the-mill peanut butter that you're used to slathering on your toast. Although peanut butter is a good source of protein, it is also filled with hydrogenated oils and sugar. Almond butter is a much better choice because it contains no added ingredients or preservatives. Almond butter is simply made of almonds, crushed up and smoothed into a delicious spread. Almond butter is a good source of protein; it's packed with monounsaturated fats, which are good for the heart, and helps to control blood sugar. It can be found in the health food section of most grocery stores.

2. Soy milk vs. milk
Are you tired of trying to get your daily dose of calcium from all of the dairy products that are stocked at your local grocery store? Does the lactose in milk upset your stomach? Maybe it's time you tried some of the terrific organic soy milks that are available today. Soy milk is a tasty alternative to cow's milk and provides the body with an abundance of health benefits. Fortified organic soy beverages not only deliver a good source of calcium, but they also help protect against heart disease and some cancers, and help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause. Soy milk is extremely low in cholesterol and saturated fat, and is a perfect snack anytime whether it's poured on top of a bowl of berries, added to your next latte or gulped down on its own. Any way you have it, a glass a day is good for you.

3. Ezekiel bread vs. commercial breads
Although most breads in the baked goods aisle may contain more fibre than they used to, many are still made with unnecessary sugars and preservatives. These preservatives help to keep the breads fresher longer but are difficult for your body to process. Perhaps only a couple of aisles away, there's a much better option: Ezekiel breads are made from sprouted grains, which are richer in protein, vitamins and fibre than most commercial brands. The protein and carbohydrate content in sprouted grains are easily digested, and are packed full of essential nutrients. Food for Life makes a tasty sesame and cinnamon raisin Ezekiel bread that can be found in the health food freezer sections of many Loblaws, Fortino's, Whole Foods Market or health food stores. Just take a slice out as desired, pop it in the toaster and say goodbye to no-carb diets.

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