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