As we jump into the first week of October, I am greatly looking forward to more beautiful fall days ahead. Yesterday, we enjoyed a beautiful crisp yet sunny day, while today we're blessed with a nourishing rain that helps to bring out the fall colors. As the rain patters near me on the windowsill, I can hear the birds chattering among the falling raindrops. It is funny how they sound different in the fall than they do in the spring. I am no bird expert, but I believe this may be due to the migration process. There are different birds visiting in the spring than there are in the fall. In some ways, these changes of the season are like the changes we see in the foods we eat and crave at different times of the year.
In our household, our food preferences change often, even within a season If your household is like mine, your family goes through various 'food kicks.' Meaning, there are certain pantry items that you keep well stocked for everyday life, but after a month or so, everyone is tiring of the pantry staples.
At Living Wellness, we are always looking for nourishing foods that require little preparation while also pleasing to the whole family. With that in mind, we're excited to introduce you to our Pantry Makeover Series! Each blog post will include a few pantry items that the Living Wellness staff enjoys. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to present an idea to you before you are able to embrace it and make it part of your wellness routine.
This week we are highlighting a few favorites in the Frandsen household including: Kirkland Signature Tilapia Loins, Daily Greens, Salad Topper, Simply Balanced Whole Grains, and Ozery Bakery Morning Rounds. We purchase these items at our local Costco; however, we've also provided Amazon links to many of these items.
Kirkland Tilapia Loins
My favorite things about this product: the tilapia is lake grown without antibiotics, boneless and skinless, individually wrapped, and SUPER easy to prepare! Do you ever have those nights where you arrive home at suppertime and you realize you forgot to take meat out of the freezer for dinner? This is when I immediately preheat the oven to 400 degrees, reach into the freezer to pull out the tilapia, and start cold water running on it. By the time the car is unpacked the tilapia is thawed and ready to be baked. I personally love to cook these on lightly oiled tin foil sheets as there is no clean up afterwards. To prepare, I simply drizzle a little lemon olive oil over the tilapia and sprinkle cracked lemon pepper seasoning on the top. Put it in the oven and prep side dishes while it cooks for 30 min. Dinner Done!!
Daily Greens
This is a cold pressed vegetable and fruit juice. We enjoy these on days when we are struggling to get our greens or simply when we need an extra boost! Fabulous for on the go. Grab a piece of cheese, a nitrite/nitrate/msg-free meat stick, and a Daily Greens and out the door you go with a nourishing snack.
This is a new found favorite in our home. Mostly used on top of salads and mixed with granola for yogurt parfaits or smoothie bowls. Please excuse the empty bag in the picture the kids devoured the bag before I could get a picture of it!
Simply Balanced Whole Grains
Simply Balanced has a variety of already cooked whole grains which come in handy for quick meals. Stir fry the vegetables you have in your refrigerator and add to the whole grains, add some leftover shredded or grilled meat, and add some spinach and avocado. Now you have a fabulous meal that makes leftovers disappear without feeling like you are eating leftovers! This is an easy & tasty option when you have 4 people eating at 4 different times! Similar product available on Amazon here.
Thanks Amazon for the picture :) My kids ate these buns before I could take the picture!
This has been a delicious option for school lunch sandwiches. It is full of organic whole grains, soft, moist, and VERY TASTY! Yum!
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Whenever I have the opportunity, I love to brainstorm with other families about the meals they are making and the snacks they use for healthy on-the-go eating. What are your favorite pantry items? Share your favorites below! Join us on social media and share your favorite pantry items and how you are transforming your pantry with #LWpantrymakeover
You are worth more than mediocre. You are worth exceptional health!
Julie Frandsen
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any illnesses or disease. Please always check with your doctor before beginning any new nutritional or fitness program or before making any nutritional/fitness changes.