How to Stock a Healthy Pantry

To keep you on track with maintaining a healthy diet, it helps to stock a healthy pantry full of ingredients you will be able to use to whip up meals even on those hectic days.

Here’s a helpful rundown to assist you in filling your pantry with must-haves that align with your health and dietary objectives.

Whole Grains

Grains should be available as they offer fiber, complex carbohydrates, and vital nutrients. Consider stocking up on the following grains:

Legumes

Legumes are plant-based sources of protein, fiber and minerals. It’s good to have an assortment of beans, lentils and peas like:

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in fats, protein and fiber. They serve as snacks. They can be incorporated into recipes for added taste and nutrition. Consider these options:

Oils

It’s also important to have a variety of oils on hand for cooking and preparing dressings. Here are some nutritious ideas to consider:

Dried Fruits

Opt for tomatoes to increase the flavor of your soups, stews and sauces. Look for versions with sodium or no-added salt. Incorporate dried fruits like:

Nut Butters

Enjoy nut butters such as:

Herbs and Spices

Keep spices and herbs in your pantry to enhance dishes without relying on salt or sugar like:

Vinegars

Brighten up your dressings, marinades and sauces with vinegars like:

Sweeteners

While being mindful of added sugars in your diet is important, having sweeteners like the following can be beneficial for cooking purposes.

Superfoods

Let’s now look at superfoods – ingredients that can enhance your culinary meals. Here are a few pantry essentials to include:

Flours

For baking enthusiasts who love creating treats, consider using types of grain flours such as:

Low sodium broths make excellent bases for soups and stews. Opt for low-salt options to keep your meals healthy.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas will help you stay hydrated while benefiting from the herbs and spices. Some recommended flavors include:

By keeping these ingredients stocked in your pantry, you’ll always be ready to cook up some dishes. Make sure to read labels and opt for products without added sugars, salts and unhealthy fats.

In addition to these essentials, you should have a variety of fruits and vegetables on hand. With knowing how to stock a healthy pantry, and some creativity, you can easily create a diet that improves your wellness and vitality.