If you’re like me, if you put food in front of me, I might just want to eat it. Sometimes I find myself browsing through my cupboards for something to gnosh on, and I can’t help but think, how did I get here? One thing is for sure: If I have junk food in my house I’m probably going to eat it– for three reasons: 1. They are designed to taste good 2. I hate for food to go to waste 3. I can’t think straight when I’m really hungry.

What’s the solution? I don’t keep these foods around my house!

Something I enjoy doing with clients is a Kitchen Clean-out! What is this? Basically we go through your cupboards and TOSS all those foods that aren’t great for you, but may be calling you hither and causing self-sabotage! You may be surprised at some of the foods I toss. The real trick is reading ingredient labels. Even if you have no idea what you’re reading, give this a try. As you read more and more labels you’ll start to see repeated ingredients, and you might even be curious enough to look them up. I am a label ninja. I can pick out 20 different disguised names for “sugar,” toxins, and heavy metals like a pro.

For those of you looking to do a basic Kitchen Clean-out, here are some basics you can start with:

5 Popular Foods You Should Trash!:

1. White bread

The food everyone loves! However your waistline and health hate it! White bread is all empty calories and once you digest it, it all turns to sugar. With that being said, it causes a rapid spike of blood sugar and insulin levels. It is very low in essential nutrients so throw it out! Replace white bread with whole grain or Ezekiel bread which contains fiber and other nutrients that are beneficial and won’t find in white bread.

2. Artificial sweeteners

Sugar substitutes like sweet and low, Splenda and equal seem to be better for you than real sugar because they are low in calories but the chemicals found in these little packets are a no no. Studies show that consuming these sweeteners will increase your risk to horrific health problems later on. There are also some studies that show that artificial sweeteners can actually increase your appetite! Replace these with natural sweeteners like stevia, agave, or honey.

3. Processed foods

Foods like chips, cookies or cereals should steer clear of your kitchen cabinet. Not only are they fattening, sugary and have no nutritional value, but having them around give you the temptation to eat them. I always say if you don’t have them in your house you won’t eat them, it’s that simple! Instead always have chopped veggies and fruit around to munch on throughout the day.

4. Deli meats

For some people this is very surprising but deli meats are highly processed and quite high in sodium. Deli meats like salami are actually very high in fat also. Instead of cold cuts, lean towards fresh grilled chicken or fish!

5. Margarine

Margarine contains trans fat which leads to increased levels of bad cholesterol and decreased levels of good cholesterol. You are better off using real butter so you don’t get all of those bad trans fatty acids. Chuck that margarine, you shouldn’t eat anything that is fake!

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Sources:

http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-bread-bad-for-you/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/artificial-sweetners-unhealthy-eco.htm

http://therealfoodguide.com/what-is-margarine-and-why-is-it-bad-for-you/