Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1518196
10 | Health Matters: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center S pring is in the air, and with the change of season comes the perfect opportunity to clean and organize your pantry. It may seem like a tedious task, but there are good reasons to declutter the cupboards where you store your food. Promotes healthy eating habits. When you tidy up your pantry, it is easier to find nutritious options. You may even be more likely to cook at home—which is nearly always healthier (and less expensive) than ordering takeout. Lynn Truong, MS, RD, a registered dietitian at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, advises using shelves and dividers to designate different food categories, such as canned fruits and veggies, dry foods, and sweets (which should be the smallest section). "Keep your list on the pantry door and cross things out when they 're gone so you know when to restock," she says. Saves money. By organizing your food items, you'll know exactly what you have, reducing the risk of purchasing duplicates or forgetting about hidden items that end up expiring before you use them. Truong has a few suggestions for affordable and healthy foods to keep around the house, including ready-to-eat canned soups (prioritize those with lower sodium) and low-calorie vegetables like baby carrots, celery and cucumbers. For flavoring meals, she recommends using citrus items like lemons, limes and oranges, which are budget-friendly fresh foods. "I use oranges to season seafood. It gives it a nice flavor and provides vitamin C," she says. Simplifies meal planning. A well-organized pantry can help make meal planning easy. You'll be able to see at a glance what ingredients you have and what needs replenishing. This can inspire you to try new recipes or improvise with what you already have, leading to exciting new meals. "Eating seasonal food is the best," Truong says. Prioritizing whichever veggies are in season, depending on what's available at your local markets, can help you find new recipes, which naturally rotate as the seasons change. Reduces food waste. It's easy for items to get lost and forgotten in a cluttered pantry, leading to expired or spoiled food. By regularly checking product expiration dates, you can minimize waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Truong suggests making a comprehensive list of the items in your pantry with their quantities and expiration dates, and keeping it posted on the pantry door. At the top of the list should be items that will expire soon. "That way you can make a plan to eat those items first," she says. "If you buy something new to try out, put those items on the top of the list too. I know I tend to forget about those items first." Creates a stress-free cooking experience. Imagine having easy access to all your ingredients, neatly arranged in their respective categories. No more searching through piles of items or dealing with expired products. A tidy pantry not only saves you time but creates a calm and enjoyable cooking experience. Cleaning out your pantry may seem like a daunting task, but the benefits far outweigh the effort involved—and they're good for your health. 5 REASONS TO Spring Clean YOUR PANTRY Your Choice for Health Care in the Valley Providence has been serving the San Fernando Valley with a commitment to high-quality, compassionate care for more than 80 years. With Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, local residents have excellent options for accessing world-class health care. From groundbreaking research to state-of-the-art technology, we are shaping the future of health care in the Valley while remaining deeply connected to our Mission and the unique needs of our communities. Burbank Mission Hills Tarzana Sherman Oaks