Spring is here and soon we'll be able to take advantage of warmer weather, fresh spring vegetables and enjoy more time outdoors. With warmer weather right around the corner, now is great time to get ready for spring and give your kitchen a healthy, spring cleaning.

First step – Clean out your cupboards and refrigerator.

• Throw out outdated foods and condiments
• Pull out all of the sugary foods and drinks (candy, pastries, pop, energy drinks)
• Gather the bags of chips and other processed high calorie, salty snacks and choose a couple of your absolute favorites to keep in the back of the cupboard or refrigerator for a snack every once in a while. 

Second step – Plan out a few simple healthy meals for the week. Then make a grocery list and stick to it!

Refresh your refrigerator

• Buy green, red and orange vegetables
• Choose fruits such as strawberries, oranges, apples and grapes
• Include low fat dairy, yogurt, soy or almond milk and low fat cheeses
• Finish up with eggs, hummus, fresh fish and chicken

Fill your freezer

• Bags of frozen fruits – like blueberries, strawberries and mango
• Frozen vegetables
• Whole grains – freeze cooked brown rice, breads and tortillas for quick meals

Update your cupboards with:

• Canned low sodium broths and soups
• Canned no added salt tomatoes
• Canned beans
• Cans of tuna and salmon
• Bags of whole grains – barley, quinoa and rice
• Whole grain cereals

These spring cleaning tips are courtesy of Nutrition Services and the Wellness Committee at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.