One of the top questions I’m asked is “What are the most healthy foods to stock in my refrigerator?”

I think on some level we all like to know what’s going on in other peoples fridges. Yes, it’s somewhat voyeuristic, but it also can be a great source of inspiration for meals and snacks. There are days when my fridge is running on empty and there are other days when it’s packed with great, healthy stuff. We all need a little inspiration from time to time.

Here are some healthy foods you’ll find in my fridge.

Garlic

Garlic is one of my all-time favorite spices. I add it to almost everything from pizza to roasted vegetables and broccoli. Not only does garlic add exceptional flavor to food, it also has several other super powers.

Onions

Whenever I cook onions are generally part of the recipe. Onions have a variety of medicinal effects. Early American settlers used wild onions to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, and to repel insects. Have you ever tried re-growing onions or using them for an ear infection? The uses are endless!

Tempeh

Tempeh is relatively new to those of us in the west, but it’s been a staple for hundreds of years for many living in Asia. Tempeh is made from cooked and slightly fermented soybeans and formed into a rectangular patty. The consistency is similar to that of a veggie burger. Many use it as a meat substitute in dishes. It has a nutty, grainy flavor.

Organic Apples

Apples have been voted the best after school snack by my middle son. Apples consistently make the Environmental Working Groups ‘Dirty Dozen’ list, which means you should by the organic version whenever possible. Although I don’t like my apples cold, I do store them in the refrigerator to help extend their shelf life. We have an entire drawer dedicated to apples.

Baking Soda

There are so many amazing uses for baking soda. I use it for everything from baking to cleaning. Think outside of the cookie box and the baking soda options are endless. Baking soda is considered very safe and non-toxic. So many foods contain baking soda.  It doesn’t taste very good straight up, but you technically could take a teaspoon of baking soda and eat it.

Almond Milk

Many people are opting for dairy free milk alternatives and fortunately there are some great options out there. Almond milk is a staple in our fridge since it is lactose and cholesterol free. I generally buy unsweetened and organic almond milk. Maybe someday I’ll be adventurous and make my own.

Braggs Liquid Aminos (instead of soy sauce)

I’ve been using Braggs Liquid Aminosfor years as a healthy alternative to Soy and Tamari sauce. No table salt or preservatives are added.  The salty taste comes from the soy beans themselves. Also Braggs is third party certified non-GMO.

Carrots

Carrots are a rich source of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant which can be converted into vitamin A in the body to help maintain healthy skin. We never peel our carrots, just give them a good wash and they are ready to eat!

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of those veggies that’s either hit or miss with most kids (some adults too). Just mentioning broccoli can make the cutest child crinkle up their nose and say “ewww”.  My kids are in the “we like broccoli” camp. No crinkled noses. Steamed is their prep of choice, which gets a wee bit boring after a while (but I’ll take it).

Eggs

We use eggs a lot. We were members of a CSA for many years and received half a dozen organicfresh eggs each week directly from the farm. Prior to our CSA we were buying organic eggs mainly from our local Whole Foods Market. Eggs can last for a long time in the fridge. To test if an egg is too old to eat place it in a bowl of cold water. Eggs that float at the surface are bad and should not be consumed.

What healthy foods are in your fridge?

Inside the refrigerator | Stock Photo © Michał Adamczyk #1936046