My Pantry
Having a stocked pantry really allows me to be creative in the kitchen. I try to keep these items in stock so I am prepared to make just about anything during the week. Now I’m not saying I keep ALL of this food ALL of the time but the more you have on hand the easier it will be cook a good meal at home without running to the grocery store every other day.
Some people believe eating healthy costs more. I disagree. I think it used to for me when I didn’t know what I was cooking. Now most of my shopping trips consist of lean meats and produce. Everything else is in stock. It took awhile to find a balance. Don’t get discouraged if you find you are missing something here and there. Stocking your optimal pantry is an art, not a science. It takes practice, a lot of practice!.
Meats
- Lean Turkey Sausage
- Lean Ground Turkey
- Lean Ground beef
- Pork Loin
- Chicken breasts (boneless and with bone)
- Lean Cuts of Beef
- Shrimp
- Tilapia Fillets
- Salmon Fillets
Frozen Food
- Stir Fry Veggie Mixes
- Broccoli,, Green Beans, Peas and Corn
- Strawberry/Berry Mixes
- Veggie Burgers
- Lite Ice Cream Products
Other “Middle Aisle” Stuff
- Whole Wheat Pasta
- Brothy Soups
- Canned Dices tomatoes
- Tomato Paste
- Crushed Tomatoes
- Canned Beans (all types)
- Canned Corn
- Canned Green Beans
- Canned Fruit (only those in natural juices)
- Lite Popcorn
- 100 Cal Packs
- Rice/Multigrain Cakes
- Low Sugar Jellies
- Quick Oats
- Unsweetened Applesauce
Baking Supplies
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Oat Flour
- Soy Flour
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Nons-Stick Cooking Spray (canola and olive oil)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Vegetables
- Bag of Spinach
- Bag of Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Yams
- Potatoes
- Zucchini
- Any Squash in season
Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Melons
Deli/Dairy/Breads
- 1% milk
- Fat Free Plain Yogurt
- Lite flavored Yogurt cups
- Sugar Free Pudding
- Part Skim Shredded Mozzarella
- Fancy Shredded cheese blends (like mexican, pizza, etc)
- Turkey Pepperoni
- Lean Ham
- Lite Whole Wheat Bread
- Whole Wheat English Muffins
- Low Carb/Whole Grain Tortillas
Condiments
- Kosher Pickles
- Sugar Free Sweet Pickles
- Mustard (spicy, honey, dijon)
- Salsa
- Italian Dressing Dry Mix
- Olive Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Ketchup
- Dry Spices
Roni, I make your fiber one crusted Tilapia at least once a week—-it is delicious! Love your great ideas!
LOVE this idea of a pantry list! I might steal it from you.
Random thought - but have you considered frozen corn, green beans, etc. rather than canned? A little healthier but hey - get your veggies any way you can. 
I do use them! I should add them to the list!
Have you ever tried Edamame? I’m addicted, but only cook with a little salt. I’m sure you would be more adventurous with seasonings to try. I’ve found a few ideas on-line, but never any that stick out.
I love both of your sites - thanks for the inspiration!
I am having trouble finding 95% beef. We only have 93% in my area…..help?
Paula - Go with the 93%, My rule of thumb is 90% or better. I believe the fat difference between 93% and 95% is only about 1 g per ounce.
I’ve often thought about buying frozen berries - but I’m not really sure what to do with them! Do you defrost them or use them from frozen like in your smoothie recipe?
geri - I generally use them for smoothies or sauces. They do defrost quite mushy but normally they are VERY sweet.
I noticed you eat whole wheat pita bread. What brand do you like? Also, have you ever made pita bread? Thanks!
In addition I have: rice, tuna, eggs or egg whites, lots of beans, barley, rice, onions, celery, salsa, almonds, walnuts, raisins.
I buy onions, celery, peppers on sale and cut them up and freeze them. I save our glass peanut butter jars. I keep masking tape and a marker in the kitchen, and label stuff right away. For weeks I can just grab a couple of jars, put them in the refrig the night before (or microwave if I forgot), and make something quick the next day. I do that with the beans too. I buy dry beans, soak them overnight, and then cook more than I need and freeze the extra. Before I go shopping I check my staples list.
Have you seen “Zonya’s Health Bites” on PBS. She is a registered dietitian and public speaker.
I’m with reply #2, frozen rather than canned, less processing, less sodium. I go to the big warehouse type store and get 5 lbs of broccoli, corn, and peas.
By “lite popcorn”, I suspect something packaged. How about just plain bagged kernel popcorn and buy an air popper. I do add a little butter (or alternative) to mine, but it’s healthier and less expensive.
Tyra Banks had a good suggestion. Air pop your popcorn. While that is going on, in a tupperware bowl, add a little honey, cinnamon, salt, butter, and microwave for maybe 20 seconds (the heat from the popped popcorn maybe enough). Add the popped popcorn to the tupperware bowl, put the cover on, and shake. It’s sweet and sticky
The 100 calorie packs are a nice idea, but they are expensive (save the money in your kid’s college fund ;-)). Also double check the ingredients for unhealthy ingredients like partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. I can’t take the artificial sweeteners either. Perhaps an alternative would be carrots sticks or apple slices with peanut butter (read the label and get the kind with just peanuts - not Jiffy), or a handful of almonds, in a reusable container.
Katie -
I usually get Trader Joes brand or a brand named Damascus (I think, It’s been awhile).
I never even thought of making my own! But that’s a neat idea!
DJ - Great additions!! Thanks!