Real Estate Blog

We all know the kitchen pantry can have a tempting voice that beckons you to do bad things. That box of double chocolate chip cookies and bag of chips refuse to live a life of solitude! They demand your attention and your company. Temptation can be difficult to resist, especially if other options are not readily available. That simple slogan of just say no is not realistic. Here’s a better way. It’s a Healthy Pantry Makeover. REBOOT your pantry and kick start your way to better health.

There are lots of strategies for a health pantry makeover, all of which will be part of a series to teach smarter ways to shop and cook and eat. Here are some starting points.

Read the labels, if it sounds like a science experiment, toss it.  Reward yourself but not with food. A movie or a walk with a friend, a lazy soak in the tub.  Leave triggers on the shelf at the grocery store. If you know you can’t resist a certain product then leave it at the store.  Don’t try to do it all at once. That can be overwhelming and expensive. Start small and with a few items at a time.  Rule of thumb, the fewer the ingredients, the better the food.

TOSS

1. White rice and pasta

2. Salty, fried snack foods like chips. Anything that has chemicals, and color.

3. Take a look at the ingredient in your condiments.

4. Sugary cereals

5. Canned soups, make your own and freeze.

6. High fructose corn syrup drinks.

7. Yogurts with artificial sweeteners and colors.

8. Anything labeled sugar free, fat free or light.

9. Frozen Entrees. These are loaded with sodium and preservatives.

EMBRACE

1. Whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.

2. Nuts. Pumpkin seeds, raw almonds are always a great go to. Freeze berries, grapes or bananas for a sweet treat in the summer!

3. Popcorn made with coconut oil and sea salt.

4. Healthy oils like olive and coconut. Spices like Jalapeño lemon pepper. Herbs always spice up any entree. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try all kinds!!

5. Beans! Dried are best. Black, pinto and lentils.

6. Sparkling water with lemons or limes.

7. Greek Yogurt

8. Seasonal fruits and vegetables. Organic is always best.

9. Hummus, salsa, guacamole, or tamari sauce.

10. Homemade chili or soups. Keep in freezer for quick access.

As you can see it doesn’t have to be a huge task to make a few swaps and you are on your way to a healthier you!!

For more information about my services to include coaching, meal plans and all things gut health, visit my website www.healthcoachingwithtraci.com. Or follow me on Instagram @jamestraci1234

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814

It is mid-July and we are in the season of those annoying “pop-up” thunderstorms that seem to make their way into every weather forecast we hear on a daily basis.  In technical meteorological terms, that means it might not rain for two weeks in your location or it might pour an inch in 5 minutes, three times in one day! 

How is your home or more specifically your gutters handling this onslaught of water when it occurs?  Is the water flowing out of your downspouts away from your home as it should, or is it bubbling up and out over the top of your gutters then flowing off the roof where it can make a path through the debris down onto the ground in strange places all the way around your home? 

Keeping your gutters clean is not a job most people enjoy, however it is an integral part of protecting your home.  Clogged gutters could cause multiple issues starting with damage to the roof of your home and interior and exterior walls if water is back-flowing up under shingles.  You could also experience damage to your foundation and basement or crawl space if water is flowing out of the top of gutters and down beside the foundation rather than being directed down and away from your home.  Gutters and downspouts clogged with leaves, maple “helicopters”, pine needles or other debris can also provide a nice nesting ground for all sorts of insects, small rodents and even mold build-up if the water isn’t flowing properly.  These problems can be compounded as the weather turns cold and wet debris freezes.

How often should you clean your gutters?  Ideally, you should inspect them twice a year when you get your HVAC unit checked.  However, that number could be higher or lower depending on how many trees are in your yard and whether or not you have any type of gutter guards or screens installed.  If your roof is low enough and you feel safe on a ladder, you could tackle this quick weekend project on your own.  However, leaving the job to a professional is also a very safe option and is usually not that costly.  Whichever option you choose, be sure to monitor your gutters throughout the year for signs of problems in order to head off more expensive repairs and keep the water flowing!

"You've Got A Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tamlsley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814