I’m always in awe of how I’ve grown through the years and have taken control of my overall diet and what products fill my cabinets and fridge. I’ve made these simple changes over the years that never felt overwhelming to me because they were small, yet made impactful, lasting changes. Now, they are staple items in my kitchen, which also helps me save money. I wanted to share with you because if I can make these changes, anybody can!
When making the conscious commitment to improve your diet for yourself and your family, I highly recommend starting small, with, perhaps, 1-2 changes per month, as I usually do.
I have LOTS of easy kitchen shifts to improve your diet, however I’ll start with these 6 products and bonus must-haves from our fans!
Kodiak Cakes :: I use these scrumptious cakes for breakfast and always add rich berries in the mix. Kodiak Cakes are crafted from the finest ingredients available. They use 100% whole grains and avoid artificial ingredients and colorings as much as possible. We buy the mix that is made out of chia seeds, flax seeds, and quinoa. Delicious, and the twins love them! We don’t even need syrup!
Coconut Oil :: I have been using coconut oil for cooking, a splash in my coffee, and for my skin! Coconut oil is one of the best choices of good fat you can add to your diet. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that can improve your health in various ways.
My favorites are listed below!
Immune System Support
Heart Health
Instant Energy
Increase in Cell Regeneration
Helps = Keep Your Skin Looking Youthful & Healthy
PB2 :: Rich, creamy texture and a delectable, nutty taste! What can it be? It’s powdered peanut butter and it’s out of this world amazing! It has 85% less fat than the average peanut butter spread. It’s super easy to use for smoothies, baking, and sandwiches–it’s a crafty substitution.
Now, sometimes I mix it up and use Crazy Richards or Almond Butter, depending on what’s on sale. I prefer PB2 because it doesn’t have to be mixed up all the time. With the others, the oil separates and you have to constantly stir so I’m just not as much of a fan. While that is annoying to me, PB2 is quick and easy and you can choose whatever consistency you want!
Water :: I probably don’t even need to tell you how important water is and its benefits, right? What I do want to share with you is how much money you can save and, at the same time, be healthier. Think about all the juices/flavored waters you buy. Cross those off your grocery list and buy more water! Or use your tap water at home. (I have to buy water where I live.) If I want flavored water, I buy fresh fruit, which is much healthier than buying these pre-made juices that have added sugar (most of the time).
I challenge you to track all the drinks you buy and how much you pay. Then take a month to drink only water/coffee/tea, but make the coffee at home; don’t buy it. See what the difference is. We saved about $50 a month buying only orange and grapefruit juice. That’s $600 a year! So if you typically purchase a variety of juices and flavored water, and then switch to plain water, you could save dough.
Almond Milk :: NOT SILK. I remember when I was purchasing SILK and my kids and I had the runs… it was horrible, I thought. How could this be healthy? It isn’t!!! It contains Carrageenan! However, Almond Breeze,Unsweetened Almond Milk, original is the way to go! It’s very tasty and my twins even drink it! I use this to drink, put in coffee sometimes, , or in my smoothies. Another brand I just is Califia Farms Unsweetened!
Moondani Natural Organic Breath Mist :: I know this isn’t an ingredient/product for your kitchen cabinets, however, it’s great for after every meal! I don’t chew gum so this is perfect for me. I bring this everywhere I go and even my husband will grab a spritz from me here and there. Fresh breath, ladies!
Must-Haves From our Fans
Oil of Oregano :: It’s like the best immune support you can possibly take, (for me at least). I take one capsule daily to stay healthy, 3 daily if I’m sick of feeling under the weather. Bonus: your burps taste like pizza. – Joann Klinkner
Healthy Fresh Snacks :: Snack size portions of hummus, guacamole and fresh mozzarella balls. We also have fresh dried herbs from our garden that we use all winter — sage, oregano, 3 types of basil, mint, and fresh rosemary plants. – Carol Gonzalez
Hot Sauce :: Tabasco wins over. hot sauces because tabasco has no added sugar like hot sauces do. – Brett Cortell
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
When it comes to eating smarter and making a conscious choice, I accept it. It’s challenging, but I accept the challenge and know that there isn’t a race. So I go my pace and succeed every time I make a shift.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I’ve learned to appreciate good food. I’ve learned to appreciate the art of cooking and creating in the kitchen.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
I’m most proud of the life I’ve built and my family. I still have dreams for my family and working towards that every single day!
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I can set too high of expectations.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my willingness to learn and grow in all aspects of my life.
