Quick Tip:  Glass & Glass Storage

You’re probably thinking, What the heck does glass and glass storage have to do with health and wellness?  Unbelievably, one of the first things I learned when I started becoming interested in my health and wellness was, in fact, about food storage and the importance of using glass.  I honestly cannot remember if it was when I attended Living Light Culinary Arts Institute, when I began brewing kombucha tea back in the ’90s or from my travels with Tony Robbins…  All I know is that I am grateful that I did come across this useful piece of information, and I am excited to share it with you.  :0) 

What I did learn is, whenever possible, it is preferable to prepare your food in glass and/or ceramic bowls and to store your food (before and after it is prepared) in glass containers.   

Here’s something to think about… Have you ever made a meal and stored it in a plastic container, only to have part of your meal become part of the plastic container?  It’s important to realize that while your meal can become part of the plastic container, the plastic can leech out of the container and become part of your meal as well.  With all of the evidence coming out with regard to the fact that ingesting plastic can be harmful to your health, it just makes sense to store prepared food in glass.

By storing dried goods in glass containers, e.g., beans, grains, nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast, dried fruit, pasta, etc., you are ensuring an  air-tight seal, so you don’t have to worry about moisture or bugs ruining your food. 

Now you’re probably thinking, Oh, great, now I have to go out and invest a ton of money in purchasing expensive glass containers.  Give me some good news, Laurie…  Well, here is your good news:  You don’t have to go out and purchase a bunch of expensive glass containers!  As you can see from the picture of the glass storage in my kitchen, I save any and all glass containers that I bring into my home, wash them thoroughly (I sometimes soak the label off and sometimes I don’t) and give them a new home on my shelf filled with various dried items. It is a great way to practice reusing an item, saves you money and helps the environment.  

Although the reusable glass containers are a fabulous way to store smaller items, I would definitely recommend purchasing some larger glass containers so that you can bring healthy salads, soups and leftovers with you for homemade meals-on-the-go or for storage in your refrigerator.   These glass containers will last you for years, and the investment is usually under $10 to buy a set for your home. 

An option for storing liquids in glass that is very economical are Ball Mason jars that are used for canning.  I have been utilizing the benefits of this fabulous containers for years!!  One of my favorite things to do with a Ball Mason jar is to use it as a glass for my homemade smoothies, teas or juices.  First of all, they make a great glass, as I can fit a lot of liquid into them.  And, secondly, if I cannot finish my smoothie, tea or juice, I use the handy lid to be able to take my meal/drink with me.  You can purchase them from a hardware store (call before you go, as they usually are in stock in the summer and fall months) and can even find them on Craigslist or eBay.  I recently purchased a case of the Ball Mason Wide Mouth Jars (those are my favorite) for $12.00, which is very reasonable.

It just makes sense to invite glass into your life… Trust me, your health is worth it.  :0)

Have an AMAZING day!