How Can You Maximize Nutrition with Whole Foods on a Vegan Diet?

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There can be many debates about what to eat and what to not. But how can one decide he is on the right track for a healthy lifestyle? Experts also claim many things about it.

If we summarize all the expert's opinions in a line then a diet that is full of whole foods is a perfect way to increase the health quality. Whole foods are all about plant-based foods that are naturally good sources of proteins, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and many more essential nutrients.

If you are also someone who wants to know how can you maximize nutrition with whole foods then this guide is only for you. We will explore different whole foods options here to help you decide what should you eat.

Let’s get started.

Boost Your Protein Intake With Whole Foods

It is a most often-heard myth that vegan diets are not good as they have no protein sources. This is not true. 

In fact, there are many sources in a vegan diet that ensure good protein intake. All in an easy and simple way. How? 

Lentils, beans, tofu, quinoa, and tempeh are some of the best meals that you can consider for an adequate amount of protein. Add whatever from them to your meals. These are great protein sources.

These foods provide more than just protein. They offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Your body needs all of these to stay healthy.

You can also combine different plant-based proteins. This way, you can get a complete protein profile. Your body will get all the amino acids it needs.

Best Whole Food Sources of Healthy Fats

Whole Foods also offers a good amount of healthy fats to its consumers. There are two types of fats that we often see in our food choices. One of them is a healthy fat that our body must need for its optimal functioning. 

Healthy fats are very good in a balanced vegan diet. You should also know that such healthy fats are good for you. It is especially considered more when they come from whole foods. 

Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are some of the excellent sources of healthy fats. It would be great if you add such sources to your diet.

It is also worth mentioning that healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids provide a very good pairing combination. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are some of the good omega-3 sources. You can add them as an essential component for your brain function and reduce inflammation.

Fiber Sources From Whole Foods On a Vegan Diet

A vegan diet is incomplete without vegetables. It is also important for you to know that more than half amount of all fiber sources are mostly from whole food sources. Yes – it is true that we can get a huge quantity of fiber from vegetables, lentils, and fruits.

Now, if you are thinking about the role of fiber in the human body then it’s important to mention that the role of fiber is very prominent in your body. It can assist you in the digestion process and also work as an antioxidant. 

It is also worth mentioning that fiber is very good especially if you are on your weight management journey. They are lower in calories and are more fuller in eating. So, it would be a great approach to add them to a healthy meal.

Whole Foods Souces For Skin, Joints & Bones 

We all know very well about the role of collagen in our skin, joints, and bones. Did you know that whole foods can help support your body’s collagen production? 

Yes, It’s absolutely true!

There are many foods present that are rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli. All of them are crucial for collagen synthesis. Moreover, you can pair such foods with zinc-rich foods. They are better for many reasons. So, you should add foods like pumpkin seeds and cashews for more benefits.

Want extra support? It’s time to consider a supplement like Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Powder. Trust me, it’s an easy addition to your routine and worth it!

Bottom Line

Whole foods are really one of the most important foods that you can choose to enjoy many benefits. These are endless. From health benefits to your overall well-being. 

All you need to do is to make a balanced vegan meal plate without processed foods. This way you can elevate your health in no time.

Simple Tips for Organizing Bulk Food Items in Your Family Pantry

There are so many advantages to buying from the bulk food section at the grocery store. You save money, reduce food and packaging waste, and streamline your shopping experience by acquiring exactly what you need in the exact right amount. Yet, for many families, there is one significant obstacle that prevents them from investing completely in bulk food: storage. How are you supposed to keep your pantry organized when so much of your food comes home in flimsy, unlabeled bags?

For most of human history, homes have organized their food stores without the help of branded packaging. If you are new to the world of buying bulk food, here are some tips you can use to enjoy all the benefits of bulk shopping and keep your pantry prim and proper.

Plan Your Pantry

Unfortunately, not all pantry spaces are created equal. There are a few conditions that make some pantries far superior to others, especially in their suitability for storing different kinds of bulk food. Because bulk food has never been hermetically sealed, it has the potential to lose its freshness faster when not kept in ideal conditions. For each bulk item you bring home, you need to consider its needs in terms of temperature, humidity, and light exposure. In most cases, a cool, dry, and dark environment is best.

If your kitchen pantry is small or open to the rest of your home, you might consider stashing your bulk items in a larger enclosed area. Then, you can maintain more control over the conditions of your bulk food to prolong shelf life and maintain organization. If you don’t have an available cupboard or closet — and if you know you will have a large amount of food to store — you might consider creating a food storage shed to house all your bulk goods, preserves, dried fruits and veggies, and more.

Collect Your Containers

The containers you use to hold your bulk goods serve two purposes: first, to preserve freshness and second, to aid in pantry organization. Thus, most food experts recommend investing in a set of stackable, square food storage containers with tight-sealing lids. Ideally, your containers will come in a wide range of useful sizes and be durable and easy to clean. Sturdy plastic tends to be preferred for its affordability, but you may opt for glass if you aren’t worried about little ones wreaking havoc in your pantry space.

Though most food storage containers are transparent, allowing you to discern with a glance what and how much of each food item you have, you may still want to create labels for your bulk goods. Labels will help you differentiate between food items that look similar — AP flour vs. bread flour, salt vs. sugar, baking powder vs. baking soda, etc. Labels can also contain useful information like purchase date, so you can more easily determine whether certain foods are still safe to eat.

Systematize Your Space

Bulk foods must be arranged in a reasonable system; otherwise, you will never find what you need while you are cooking. There are a few different categorization methods you might use in your pantry, such as:

Each shelf has a different purpose. One shelf might be snacks for kids. Another shelf might be dried beans. Another shelf might be baking ingredients. When you keep your goods separated by shelves, you know where to start looking for the item you need.

Goods used together are close together. Whether or not you separate shelves for different purposes, you should keep like goods close. For example, your dried pastas might be stashed on a shelf close to your canned pasta sauces.

Newer items go in the back. Though it is more convenient to unload your grocery bags by placing your newly acquired goods at the front of your pantry, it is more economical to shuffle them to the back. Then, you will use your oldest goods first, preventing them from going stale or rotten.

You may need to experiment with different locations, types of containers, and organization systems to build the perfect bulk food pantry in your home. With patience and persistence, you should become a pantry master and benefit from buying bulk for years to come.

Why an Organized Pantry Can Mean Cheaper Grocery Bills

Maintaining an organized pantry is not only visually pleasing but also holds the potential to significantly reduce your grocery bills. A well-kept pantry ensures that ingredients and supplies are easily accessible, preventing food waste and unnecessary purchases. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of an organized pantry and how it can lead to substantial savings on your grocery bills.

Maximizing Space and Visibility

One of the primary advantages of an organized pantry is the ability to maximize space and visibility. When shelves are clutter-free and items are neatly arranged, you can easily see what you have and what you need to restock. No more rummaging through the pantry, searching for that elusive jar of spices or box of pasta!

Imagine this scenario: You're craving a delightful snack while settling down for a movie night. In an organized pantry, a designated space for snacks allows you to quickly locate your desired treat. This not only saves you time but also ensures that you don't purchase unnecessary duplicates during your next grocery run.

Reducing Food Waste

An organized pantry helps reduce food waste, which is not only environmentally responsible but also has a positive impact on your wallet. When items are neatly arranged according to expiration dates, you can easily identify those that are nearing their expiry. By using them before they go bad, you can minimize waste and avoid having to repurchase the same item unnecessarily.

Additionally, a well-organized pantry encourages better meal planning. When you know exactly what ingredients you have on hand, you can plan meals around them, reducing the chances of forgotten or neglected items spoiling at the back of your cupboard.

Taking Advantage of Sales and Bulk Purchases

A tidy pantry enables you to take full advantage of sales and bulk purchases. When you can easily see and access your existing stock, you'll know precisely when it's time to replenish certain items. This allows you to plan your shopping trips strategically, buying in bulk when prices are lower or items are on sale. By purchasing larger quantities at discounted prices, you'll save money in the long run.

Consider stocking up on pantry staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and even snacks like sea salt popcorn! If you have an organized pantry, you can keep track of your supplies and take advantage of bulk deals when they become available. Buying in bulk not only saves you money but also ensures that you never run out of essential ingredients, including popcorn for those cozy movie nights.

Meal Planning and Batch Cooking

An organized pantry goes hand in hand with meal planning and batch cooking, both of which can significantly reduce your grocery bills. By planning your meals for the week ahead, you can create a comprehensive shopping list that includes only the necessary ingredients. This eliminates the need for last-minute grocery store visits and impulse purchases.

Batch cooking is another effective strategy to save money. Prepare large batches of meals and store them in portioned containers in your pantry or freezer. This way, you'll have ready-made meals on hand, reducing the temptation to order takeout or buy convenience foods. Batch cooking also allows you to take advantage of bulk purchases and seasonal produce, further reducing your overall grocery expenses.

Efficient Storage Solutions

Investing in efficient storage solutions for your pantry can have a significant impact on your grocery bills. Utilize clear containers, airtight jars, and labeled bins to store ingredients and snacks. This not only keeps your pantry organized but also helps to maintain the freshness and longevity of the items. With proper storage, you can extend the shelf life of perishable goods and reduce the risk of food spoilage.

Additionally, consider implementing a "first in, first out" system, where newly purchased items are placed at the back, pushing older items to the front. This ensures that you use up older items before they expire, reducing food waste and saving you money.

Tracking and Evaluating Expenses

An organized pantry allows you to track and evaluate your grocery expenses more effectively. By keeping receipts and maintaining a record of your purchases, you can identify patterns, spot areas where you can cut costs, and make adjustments to your shopping habits. This information empowers you to make informed decisions and prioritize your spending based on your budget and needs.

Conclusion

Maintaining an organized pantry is a simple yet effective way to save money on your grocery bills. By maximizing space, reducing food waste, taking advantage of sales and bulk purchases, engaging in meal planning and batch cooking, utilizing efficient storage solutions, and tracking your expenses, you can significantly cut down on unnecessary costs. 

Start decluttering, labeling, and organizing your pantry today, and enjoy the benefits of a well-kept space. With a well-organized pantry, you'll have a clear view of your inventory, avoid food waste, make smarter shopping decisions, and ultimately save money in the long run.

Interview - Hoardable Hotsauce

As organizers we are always steering our clients towards experiences and consumables as gifts instead of stuff. We spoke with the folks at Connecticut's own Hoardable Hotsauce for obvious reasons.

As Professional Organizers we are very interested in the name. What is the origin?

Well the truth is we wish there was a great story behind the name but all we have is as its told, while tasting the test batches at their origin someone said “this stuff is so good you can hoard it” when another replied “well I agree, it sure is hoardable” and just like that, Hoardable Hot Sauce got its name.

Are your sauces made in Connecticut and what is the relationship with the source of the ingredients?

We are fully made in Connecticut. We purchase all of our produce from local organic farms. We personally cut and mix the produce along with our co packers who cook and bottle our product all at their FDA facility, which is also located in Ct.

The must ask questions for hot sauce, which one is the hottest and just how hot is it?

Our hottest sauce is named “Cruel & Unusual Punishment” While the name deems it the hottest of our three sauces it is not a heat level that one might think. We use a Bhut Jolokia Ghost pepper that rates 1.2 million heat units on the Scoville scale; however we cut the heat with other ingredients to ensure we do not over power our fans.  It is important to us that we are not the gimmicky hot sauce that you use once and it then sits in your cupboard because it’s too hot to use. Our flavor is what is most important and we want you to taste the food that you are eating while enjoying the heat as an added kick. Use a lot of it, come back for more!      

For people unaccustomed to hot sauce what is the best way to ease into the heat?

For the beginner we always recommend our Red Pepper Mix. This is our Mild sauce which we refer to as a liquid salsa, or our utility sauce.  It is made with sweet red Bell Peppers, red Jalapeños, Garlic, Onions, Carrots, Sea Salt and Vinegar. It does not bring much heat but is full of flavor. It compliments anything from Chicken to Pizza and even goes great on Eggs.          

Any interesting or fun adventures with the sauces since they hit the market

Since we have hit the market it has been a great ride. We have had a lot of fun learning, growing, and brining this product to market in such a diverse arena.  We recently partnered with a subscription service “Fuego Box” which is headquartered in California.  We were asked to have our “Cruel & Unusual Punishment” sauce featured in their box of the month club. Not only was it flattering to be chosen by their team but we were never ready for the “YouTube” fan base that they had reviewing the sauces. The video reviews while positive certainly brought certain levity when they were pleasantly surprised by the heat of the Bhut Jolokia Ghost pepper.