PANTRY INTERVENTION!

Intervention is the act of intervening or the interference of one state in the affairs of another. Several applications come to mind with the word intervention; personal, spiritual, even medical. Embarking on a health journey can include intervention in one’s current lifestyle. Many times this includes weight loss. Over a period of years, habits develop which are not aligned with health. Busy lifestyles with work and family, increased demands on one’s time leave one making quick and easy choices for meal-times; choices which may not be in the best interest of health. Most will not wander into health. You must be intentional and proactive.

When a person decides to embark on a journey to improve health, intervening in one’s pantry is a needed first step. Many items lurking in one’s pantry can sabotage your efforts including foods, spices, even cooking devices. A well-organized pantry can be a relief. Knowing where your go-to items are and a system in place to re-stock will help plan meals and grocery shop along with saving you time and money by providing a clutter free environment.

Here are a few ideas:

Sorting - empty the pantry first. You will find items that have accumulated and long-forgotten; such as gift items. If you can, get rid of the junk food. Throw away expired items. Donate items that you do not use or do not like.

Arrange items by group such as jars of spices, bottles of oils and vinegar, and beans.

Storage solutions allow you to see items quickly. You do not have to reach for your credit card to organize your pantry. You may have clear storage containers that are not being used. Household items can be re-purposed in your pantry. Sheet pans are a great source for grouping like items.

Maintain your new organized pantry by consistently going through the pantry and decluttering (daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally).

When one chooses to return to a better state of health the decision includes how to be successful. Set yourself up for success! You may even find your motivation will spill over into other areas of your home!

Kale

Kale - a form of cabbage recognized as a “superfood” - is rich in healthy fiber and antioxidants, a great source of vitamin A which promotes immune function, eye and skin health along with growth of tissues. Kale is also a source for vitamin K which helps improve calcium absorption and bone health. One cup of kale has almost as much vitamin C as an orange and as much calcium as a cup of milk. You can also find iron, vitamins B-6 and B-12, magnesium, copper, folate, and potassium.One serving of kale contains 2 grams of protein, 121 milligrams (mg) of plant-based omega-3 fats, 92 mg of omega-6, and like meat - all nine essential amino acids needed to form proteins within your body; plus, 9 other non-essential ones for a total of 18.Curly kale is the most commonly available variety and is usually bright or dark green or purple in color. There are many different varieties of kale including Russian and dinosaur kale, the latter of which has blue-green leaves and has a more delicate taste than curly kale. Ornamental kale, sometimes called salad savoy, was originally used as a decorative garden plant (it comes in green, white and purple colors); although it can also be eaten and has a mellow flavor and tender texture. As a general rule, kale with smaller leaves tends to be more tender and milder than larger-leaved varieties.Kale is versatile in that it can be used either raw or cooked, and makes for a great addition to a wide variety of dishes. Cut smaller, paler green leaves into fresh garden salad; use the larger, dark greens for stir-fries or soup. You can even eat kale for breakfast when you add to your favorite omelet.

KALE SMOOTHIE

1 cup liquid (water, coconut water or milk, bone broth, etc)
2 cups kale
1/2 cup fruit (fresh or frozen)
PWLC protein pudding or smoothie
1/2 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)

Place all ingredients together in blender. Enjoy!