Michele Schoenherr is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and the owner of The Cottage & Co., where she provides private health coaching for clients in the Greenwich, Stamford and Westchester area. She believes that our relationship with food and general wellness is personal and intimate, and she approaches each client’s health goals individually by combining science, behaviors and spirituality to help them heal and thrive.
By focusing on clean, whole foods, and working through other facets of holistic wellness, she partners with each client to create sustainable lifestyle changes and to live the best possible life.
We recently caught up with her about the five staples she keeps in her fridge at all times. By keeping these ingredients on hand, you will always be able to throw together easy meals and snacks that are also packed with nutrition. Check out her list, below!
Photo by Daniel Silbert, To The Moon NYC
Lemon
I start my day and end most nights with hot water with lemon and freshly grated ginger. Especially during cold and flu season, this is a great way to detoxify and kick start the immune system. It also helps to turn on your metabolism which is a great way to start and end the day!
Berries
Blueberries do have my heart, but I make sure to mix up which berries I use weekly for a variety of nutrient profiles. All berries are full of antioxidants and fiber, which are great for so many things in your body, including your immune function and anti-aging! Throw together a fruit plate with coconut yogurt or even toss into your salad with some walnuts at lunch.
Avocado
Avocados promote heart health, lower cholesterol, aid in digestion and skin health – and the benefits go on and on! They also include a variety of different nutrients and healthy fats, which are so critical to keeping your body functioning at a high level and keeping you satiated. We all love an avocado toast, but I also can’t turn down a freshly made guacamole with crunchy veggies, throwing avocado in a salad, or getting adventurous and using it in a pesto (see my blog for the recipe!).
Eggs
Eggs are a complete protein, which means that they contain all of the essential amino acids our bodies need. Our bodies cannot make essential amino acids, so we need to get them from food sources, and eggs are a great way to get all of the essentials at once! Eggs support brain function and development, so especially for all of our pregnant or breastfeeding mamas – this one is for you!
Dark leafy greens (Kale, Broccoli, Chard, Spinach, Arugula)
I try to include leafy greens in multiple meals every day. A handful in a smoothie or mixed into eggs in the morning, a big salad for lunch, and sautéed or roasted as a side at dinner. Dark leafy greens are superfoods for a reason – they contain so many vitamins and minerals which are key to your overall health, and are full of fiber to help you feel fuller for longer.
Learn more about The Cottage & Co. here!