The Kitchen Clean Out Challenge Part 4: Storage and Cleaning Supplies

 We are in the home stretch of our challenge. Today we are going to look at our storage and cleaning supplies. Storage in this case refers to food storage like Tupperware, glass storage (my preferred), lunchboxes, etc. 

Step1: Pull out everything- all storage, cleaning supplies.

Step 2: evaluate and restock. 

Storage:

1. Get rid of any mismatched sets, do they have a lid, is all you have is the lid? Donate or throw away. 

2. Get rid of anything broken or stained. 

3.Donate anything not used in months or that you don't like. 

4. Lunchboxes- do you still need one? Maybe you used to go to the office but now work from home? Do your kids still use lunchboxes? If no longer needed, then donate. If damaged, then throw away and replace. 

Cleaning Supplies:

1. Get rid of any expired cleaning products.

2. Throw away any empty or unused products (including products you did not like).

3. Go through your towels, rags, sponges, etc. Get rid of anything not used or damaged. 

4. Go through other essentials like Ziploc bags, foil, parchment, cling wrap, paper towels, trash bags, etc. These are pretty essential but just look through make sure you don't have an empty box or are running low on anything. 

Now, that we are done with our clean out, how do you feel? I hope you feel refreshed and have found some additional space in your kitchen. The next step will be organization. Maybe you have a system that works for you but coming soon we will talk a bit about organization. How do we maximize the space we have and how do we make our space work for us? 

Sneak peak: the March giveaway will be about organization and will include a copy of the 1st Home Edit book. They have great organization tips and ideas. In February, the blog will focus some on organization.

The Kitchen Clean Out Challenge Week 3: Dishes, Utensils, and Gadgets, OH MY!

 This week we are focusing on smaller items like our silverware and utensils. Those unique gadgets you bought intending to use but years later you have not used it once. We also will be looking at our dishes. Do you live in a house of 2 and have enough dishes for an army? 

Step 1: pull everything out

Step 2: Go through the list and evaluate

Dishes: 

1. Are any broken or chipped? Throw it out.

2. Do you have an excess? Look at how many dishes you have and how many are in your house? Do you really need that many? 

3. Has anything not been used in 6 months? 

4. Is there anything you don't like?

5. Don't forget those coffee mugs? Do you really use them all? I used to buy coffee mugs for travel souvenirs. Know what happened? I had a ridiculous amount. I never used half of them. Pick the ones you like best and use the most and donate the rest. 

6. Look at your mixing bowls? Are any broken? How many sets do you have? Do you use them all? Are any stained? Get rid of any excess. 1-2 sets should be enough as a rule of thumb.  I prefer glass and stainless steel personally. The plastic stains easily, is not sustainable, and is not as sturdy. 

Utensils:

1. Are any broken? Any where the handle keeps breaking. Any stained?

2. Do have an excess? Do you need 5 can openers for instance? Donate anything in excess. 

3. Do you have any you haven't used in months?

4. Is there anything you don't like?

Gadgets:

1. Are any broken?

2. Do you have an excess?

3. Do you have any you haven't used in months?

4. Are there any you don't like?

The Kitchen Clean Out Challenge Part 2: small appliances and pans

 To continue the clean out challenge we are moving on to our small appliances and pans/bakeware. How many have duplicates of pans they never use, or pans that have been damaged. How many have small appliances that they never use like that blender you thought you'd use but never do. This week is for you. 

Small Appliances:

1. Are any broken or rusted? Then toss it. 

2. Are there any you never use? You can donate it, sell it, or gift it to a friend.

3. Do you have multiples? Who needs two toasters or two blenders? Pick the one you like best and get rid of the other. 

4. Do you have items you rarely use but it is useful during certain times? Can it be stored elsewhere out of the kitchen until it is needed? For instance, do you have a roasting pan that is only used during holidays? Maybe store this with your holiday items or elsewhere until needed. 

5. Are there any items you just don't like? Why hold on to it? Donate it and let someone else enjoy it. You free up space and can find something you like better. 

Pots and Pans:

1. Are any broken or rusted? Toss it. 

2. Get rid of any you don't use.

3. Get rid of multiples. This may look a bit different because you will need a few pots and pans, but do you need 5 of the same size? This is where you will look at what you really use? If you haven't used it in months. Get rid of it. 

4. Do you have a special pot or pan you only use for special occasions? Maybe box it up and store it elsewhere like in the basement or garage. Pull it out when needed and use your valuable kitchen space for items you use regularly. This may not be as important if you have a lot of storage space in your kitchen. Some kitchens like mine, space is at a premium. 

5. Get rid of any items you do not like. 

Bakeware:

1. Throw out any broken or rusted items. 

2. Get rid of any bakeware that has not been used in months, unless it is a special occasion item. 

3. Get rid of multiples. 1-2 muffin pans, baking sheets, pie pans and cake pans should be a good rule of thumb. If you have 5 maybe pick your favorites and donate the rest. If some are seasonal maybe store with seasonal items elsewhere. 

4. Get rid of any items you do not like. 

The Healthy Kitchen: when you need something crunchy

You know when you are sitting down in an evening for a show, or you need a side to go with your sandwich? Chips are a natural go to. But what can you get that is better for you than your favorite Doritos? Are the items advertised as healthy really healthy? What should you look for in healthy options?

Veggie straws are an alternative to your regular potato chip and are advertised as a healthier option. They are advertised as having 30% less fat. A serving size is pretty large compared to potato chips 38 veggie straws compared to approximately 12 chips. Veggie straws also come in a variety of flavors but not as many as potato chips. My favorite are the ranch and sour cream and onion flavors. They have no artificial flavors or preservatives, no cholesterol, no trans fat, and are gluten free. These also have no added sugar but do have about 17g of carbs and less than 1g of fiber and protein.

Are these the healthiest snack option? No. Are they a better alternative to a popular potato chip brand. Probably. Keep in mind these are fried in unhealthy oils like canola, sunflower, or safflower oil. They also have maltodextrin and dextrose that some people may not like. For me these are a better alternative when I need a chip like crunch. It is lower in carb and has no added sugar. 

Harvest Snaps are a plant based snack made of peas, lentils, or black beans. My favorite is the mango chili lime which is a baked black bean snack. They are gluten free and non-gmo. A serving size is 1oz or approx 22 pieces. Per serving they have 6g of fat, 0g trans fat, 16g carbs, 3g fiber, 2g added sugar (sugar, brown sugar, and molasses). and 4g of protein. 

I like the taste of these specific ones. I have tried the pea-based ones and have not been a fan. These do have a bit of a kick. Like the veggie straws, these are a healthier option than potato chips but still not the best option. These also have added sugar which I would pay attention to, but they do have more fiber and protein than the veggie straws. Both are also made using canola oil. 

Nut Thins are a cracker made with almonds or pecans usually. My favorites are the almond ones. They are gluten free and have no artificial colors. These are baked not fried. They also come in various flavors. My favorite are the ranch and pepperjack flavors. A serving size is 17 crackers. There are 3.5g of fat, no trans-fat, 22g of carbs, 1g of fiber, 0g added sugars, and 3g of protein.

These crackers are tasty and have a decent serving size. They are a bit higher in carbs most likely from being made from almonds. They are made with sunflower oil and include maltodextrin. Allergens that are included in these are milk, soy, and almonds. 

Popcorn is a great option that is low in fat. I like the local popcorn sold at Harvest Market, Ella and Ollie. It is grown here in Illinois on a seven-generation farm. For a 3 TBSP serving there are 2g fat, 0g sodium, 32g carbs, 7g fiber, 1g sugar (0g added sugar), and 5g protein. The only ingredient is popcorn.  

I like this popcorn because it is very inexpensive. At Harvest Market, in their bulk section you can buy a pound for $1. They have a couple different types of popcorn, but they all have the same cost. I like to make my popcorn with olive oil instead of butter for healthy oils and then I season it with whatever seasoning I prefer. My all-time favorite is the ranch seasoning from Burlap and Barrel. I also recently tried the Tandoori seasoning on my popcorn, and it was good! You can season it as you desire. Just keep in mind that how you season it will depend on how healthy it is. In my opinion, olive oil tastes just as good as using butter but is healthier. It even has a look of buttered popcorn. 

The bottom line is... are these snacks the healthiest options out there...of course not. But when you compare them to the alternatives, they may just be a better option. Especially if you need to eat gluten free or have specific allergies, or like me need to watch your sugar. Do I eat these every day? No. Well, maybe the popcorn. But when I need a chip for my sandwich, I tend to grab the veggie straws. 

The Healthy Kitchen: Protein is key

As a diabetic, I always knew about carbs and fiber, but I never realized until recently how important protein is in my diet. As a result, I have been paying much more attention to the protein in the food I am consuming. This includes my snacks. A good snack food will give you the protein you need and if you are a diabetic like me then it will also limit the carbs. Protein is what keeps our sugar from spiking. Below are some meat and cheese-based snacks I have discovered that are really good for you and taste really good. 

 Epic are snack bars made of 100% grass fed meat. They are real food products that are created humanely, are pasture centered, and are delicious! The beef, venison, and bison are 100% grass fed. The chicken and ducks are cage-free.  They also work to convert more ranchers to pasture-based livestock. They also provide incentives to help improve agriculture. They support organizations devoted to improving animal welfare standards. These bars are made using diverse flavors and unique tastes that are then combined with dried fruit, seeds, and creative spices. They have gluten-free, paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, and whole 30 options. Some of their bars have low to no sugar as well. 

These bars are not only nutritious, and sustainable but they taste delicious. These do come in at a higher cost point. For a box of 4, you will spend about $10. These would not be an everyday snack I would say because of the cost but they make a nice snack occasionally. You can also buy these by the bar in certain stores and they run around $3/bar. 

Country Archer meat sticks are made with real ingredients: no msg, no preservatives, no nitrates. They are made with 100% grass-fed beef and cage-free turkey. They are made with lean cuts of meat. They are made in small batches with organic ingredients. They have 0 sugar options, plant based, and antibiotic-free.

             

These meat sticks are very tasty and are much more cost-effective. You can find these in most stores, but Sam's Club has a good deal for a 24 pack it is $15. The turkey is really good with the rosemary. It is a great flavor combination. They are 0 carb and have 4g of protein per mini stick. I keep these in my purse for when I am out and about and need a quick snack. 

Parm Crisps are made from 100% cheese, low carb, protein packed, sugar free, and gluten free. The cheese is locally sourced in the USA by a family run company. They are oven-baked in small batches to ensure quality. They contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. There are flavors like sour cream and onion, four cheese, and everything (my favorite!) 

This brand is my favorite, but a lot of stores now carry similar crisps in their own brand. Sams has a members mark one and there is the Whisps brand. I prefer these over all of the others. Usually, you get 2 servings per bag (if you can stop at one serving). Walmart has this brand for $3/bag. The Target brand runs about $3.50 but their crisps are smaller. You will get 1G of carb, and 13g of fiber per serving for the Everything Parm Crisps. You can even use these in salads and soups. 

Moon Cheese is gluten free, low in carbs, packed with protein, keto-friendly. They are crunchy cheese bites. I prefer to use these in soups. This is not my preferred snacking cheese. There are different flavors: cheddar believe it, get pepper jacked, oh my gouda, white chedda black peppa, and garlickin parmesan. 

These moon cheese have 0g sugar, 11g of protein, and 1-2g carbs. I really like the gouda flavored ones. I also prefer the ones sold at Harvest Market by a local company. The Harvest Market one's cost 4$ per bag. The Gouda and the Pepperjack are really good . They are great as a substitute for crackers in soup and they don't get soft, they stay crunchy. 

Next time you are at the store, try one of these snack options. I highly suggest the Everything Parm Crisps. They are my favorite! If you have found any other cheese and meat-based snacks feel free to share it!

The Kitchen Clean Out Challenge Week 1: Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer

 The beginning of the year is a great time to clean out and refresh your food stores. What in your pantry and fridge/freezer has expired or gone stale. What did you buy and didn't like so it just sits there. What hasn't been used in months and has never been opened. Or are you challenging yourself to eat better in the new year and want to remove all the unhealthy food from temptation. January is a great time to start fresh in the kitchen. 

We will look at the kitchen a couple ways. What can be donated and given to someone in need and what needs to be thrown away. 

Things you will need to start: a trash bag and another bag to place donation items.

Where can you take donations? You can give them to someone in need you know or donate them to a food pantry or community micro pantry. With rising costs now adays there are many who could use a helping hand. This clean out will not only benefit you and your family but can also benefit those in need in your community. 

So, let's get started!

This first week may be a bit overwhelming depending on how large of a pantry, fridge, and freezer you have and how long it has been since you have cleaned it out. So, I will give you some guidelines to follow to help. 

Pantry:

1. Pull everything out and evaluate it. 

2. Is it expired? Has it gone stale? Has it been used in the last 6 months? 

3. If it has been opened, then throw it away if you are not keeping it. 

4. If it has not been opened but you have not used it in months, then put in in the donate pile.

5.  Don't forget your spice cabinet! The same steps follow. Most people have expired spices in their cabinets. They are no longer as flavorful and if they are expired should be tossed. If you don't use them, get rid of them. You can either pass them to someone that wants them or throw them away if opened or donate if unopened. 

6. Also make sure you go through your oils, vinegars, condiments not in the fridge. Same concept for those. 

7. Lastly, if you keep your baking ingredients separate from your other pantry items don't forget to go through them as well. 

Refrigerator:

1. Pull everything out and evaluate it.

2. Throw away anything expired.

3. Clean out all leftovers and containers that have been in the fridge for a while. If it's gone bad throw out. 

4. Check your condiments...have they expired or are they almost empty. Make note to replace. 

5. Is there anything still good but you haven't used and do not plan to?  If unopened think about donating if possible. If not throw away. 

6. Lastly, this is a great time to clean that fridge! Then restock and organize your fridge with items you are keeping. 

Freezer: (this includes any standing freezers)

1. Pull everything out and evaluate it. 

2. Throw away anything that has sat in there for months and has not been used. Good rule of thumb is anything over 6 months goes. In a freezer, this is up to you. If it looks covered in ice crystals it may have been in the freezer too long. 

3. Throw out anything loose in the freezer that has come out of a bag or container. 

4. Lastly, clean the freezer! Then restock and organize the freezer. 

*Note: If you use mason jars for storage and do not have expiration dates, if you haven't used it in months, toss it. When you refill the jar, first clean it. Then next time you fill the jar write the expiration date on the jar. You can do this with a label or a marker that you can wipe off later when needed. 

Look at all the jars I cleaned out and can now use! I was down to 1 jar then cleaned out and now have close to a dozen clean and ready to use!

The Healthy Kitchen: Get your snack on!

I've been on the hunt for some healthier snack/sweets options and have found a couple of brands I like. As a diabetic I really have to limit my sugar intake so I have been looking for some new snack options and grab and go options. 

Catalina Crunch is a company founded by a diabetic  that created a good tasting snack with protein, fiber, good fats but minimizing sugar. Most of their products are vegan, gluten free, plant based, non gmo, Keto frIendly, and low on sugar. 

Does it taste just like cinnamon toast Crunch? No of course not because cinnamon toast Crunch is loaded with sugar but this is a pretty tasty option that's better for you. It is also not as cheap so be prepared. 

They also make a pretty tasty sandwich cookie similar to an oreo. They have a snack mix and cookie bars I have not tried yet but hope to soon. 

Another brand Ive seen often but had never tried wad Lily's chocolate products. They have baking chocolate, bars, and specialty chocolate like these chocolate covered caramels. 

Lily's chocolate is made with Stevia, is gluten free, non gmo, and is low in sugar with 0 sugar added. The chocolate covered caramels are pretty good when you need something sweet but need to watch your sugar. I look forward to trying some of the other products too.

These caramels are high in fiber and 0 added sugar. The serving size on the packaging is in grams which I'm not a fan of but there are 3.5 servings per bag. My food scale does kg and oz/lb. 

They also have gummy bears and gummy worms that have less than a gram of sugar per serving. 

NOTE: If you cant find these in your local store Amazon has both available in bulk.

I'll be sharing when I find some new brands that I like. Up next with be some snacking meat and cheese options.