Healthy Kitchen Staples

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy diet can sometimes feel like a challenge. But with a little bit of advanced planning, preparing nutritious and delicious meals becomes much more manageable.

Having a pantry or cupboard filled with wholesome staples can make it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan. It eliminates the need for last-minute grocery runs and reduces the temptation to order takeout. Plus, cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.

My Go-To List of Healthy Kitchen Staples

1. Pantry Goods

• Bisquick

• Dried pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, farfalle, whatever shapes you love!)

• Canned tomatoes

• Dried and canned beans (chickpeas, kidney beans, cannellini beans, etc.)

• Chicken or vegetable stock

• Popcorn

• Olive oil

• Flour tortillas

• Nuts/dried fruits (almonds, cashews, dried apricots)

2. Refrigerator/Freezer

• Bacon

• Eggs

• Parmesan

• Cheddar cheese

• Cream cheese

• Sour cream

• Bread (store in freezer)

• Frozen vegetables (peas, corn, green beans, etc.)

• Frozen wild caught shrimp

3. Herbs, Spices, and Condiments

These add flavor and depth to your dishes without the need for extra salt or fat:

• Dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

• Spices (cumin, turmeric, paprika)

• Low-sodium soy sauce

• Vinegars (red wine, apple cider, balsamic)

• Dijon mustard

4. Whole Grain Flours and Baking Essentials

For those who enjoy baking, having these items on hand can help you make healthier treats:

• Whole wheat flour

• Almond flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Honey or maple syrup

Tips for Maintaining a Your Kitchen Staple Inventory

1. Regularly Check Expiration Dates: Periodically review the items in your pantry to ensure nothing is expired or going bad.

2. Organize by Category: Keep similar items together to make meal prep more efficient.

3. Label Containers: Use clear containers and label them to easily identify ingredients.

4. Plan Your Meals: Use your stocked items to plan weekly meals, reducing waste and ensuring balanced nutrition. My Pasta Beurre Blanc and Creamy Chickpea Soup are quick, decadent recipes you can use with ingredients that can be kept on hand, saving you a trip to the grocery store and making spur-of-the-moment hosting a breeze!

Conclusion

By keeping these essential items on hand, you'll be ready to whip up nutritious meals at a moment's notice. Before your next grocery trip, make a list and start stocking your kitchen to enjoy the benefits of convenient, healthy eating!