Healthy Fridge Staples

Do you have enough healthy fridge staples?
Despite what some of you may think, the refrigerator is not just a place for Coke, beer and last night's leftovers. It’s also the appliance responsible for storing a lot of the healthier things that we eat. In an age where our cupboards and pantries are filled to the brim with junk food and preservative-packed delicacies, your fridge should be a haven for healthy staples.

It isn’t hard to keep your fridge stocked with the good foods. The key is to pick out the essentials and make sure they’re always on hand. The items your fridge should never be without are those that should be consumed regularly to ensure the right nutrients make their way into your body. These are foods that should, and need to be, bought fresh.

Water

Plain and simple, your body needs water. It helps clean out toxins and it channels nutrients to all your needy cells. Without enough water, you’ll dehydrate, get headaches and find it more difficult to function. Water really is essential to your well-being.

Daily serving: Bottled water might be nice on the go, but save some cash and get a jug that filters water to keep in your fridge at all times. The average person should consume at least eight glasses a day.

Orange juice

This is one of the most nutrient-rich fruit juices you can buy, hence why it's a great healthy fridge staple. Studies have credited it with more health benefits than you can count. These include everything from boosting your immune system to keeping your blood pressure in check. Orange juice is also chalk-full of vitamin C, which can help combat common colds.

Daily serving: You should stock your fridge with pure orange juice. Remember that orange “flavored” drinks aren’t the same. Serve yourself 8 oz a day and try to drink it in the morning.

Eggs

Eggs are not only cheap but they tend to keep for a decent span of time as well. They are a great source of protein and though they are high in cholesterol, it’s the kind your body will put to good use. Eat in moderation and remember that eggs aren't just a breakfast food -- you can have eggs for lunch and even supper. 

Daily serving: Eggs are great because they’re quick to make and there are dozens of ways to make them. Some say that an egg a day is healthy; this is debated, but having at least a few servings a week will definitely do your system good.

Milk

Milk is rich in protein. It also has a lot of calcium which, as the commercials have been telling us for years, is great for the bones. Pay attention to the percentage of milk you take in though. As children we need whole, 3.25% milk, but as we get older that fattier milk tends to be more detrimental then beneficial. As an adult, consider 1% or even skim milk (if you dare) instead of whole milk. You'll still get all the nutrients milk has to offer without all the nasty fatty side effects.

Daily serving: You should have at least three cups of milk a day. This can include other milk products, like cheese. Its naturally high protein count also makes it a great post-workout drink.

Non-fat yogurt

Yogurt is a great healthy fridge staple because it stays fresh for a good couple of weeks. It can also be a treat all its own or used as an ingredient in a number of recipes. Plus, it's a key ingredient to healthy, tasty smoothies. As a dairy product, yogurt is loaded with calcium, protein and lots of vitamins.

Daily serving: A yogurt a day is a good idea. If nothing else, you should at least keep it around as a handy alternative to unhealthy snack foods.

What else should you keep in your fridge to stay healthy and eat well?... Next >>