Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1518202
8 | Health Matters: Providence Saint Joseph 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. Promote healthy eating habits When you declutter and arrange 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. Save 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. Simplify 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. "It's easy to get stuck in a pattern and lean toward the same few meal variations," says Rémy Peters, a registered dietitian at Providence Saint Joseph's Disney Family Cancer Center. "Adding more variety can pull you out of food boredom and help build your confidence in the kitchen." Reduce food waste It's easy for items to get lost and forgotten in a cluttered pantry, leading to expired or spoiled food. By decluttering and regularly checking for expired products, you can minimize waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Create 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