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10 Foods to Have on Hand at All Times
If you’re anything like me, you have all these ideas of foods to buy when you’re at the grocery store, there’s just so many options and so many so called “superfoods” but having a clear focus and plan when you go grocery shopping is really the key to eating healthier and in turn feeling your best.
Let’s not waste anytime though and simplify things for you a bit by looking at a list of 10 of the best foods to keep stocked in your kitchen.
This is by no means a complete grocery list, but these items all pack a serious nutritional punch, and can really go a long way to support your weight loss and training goals (sorry I had to plug the name of the website! haha).
All kidding aside, get your grocery list out, grab a pen, and find at least 5 you want to try this week.
10 Healthy Foods to Stock Your Kitchen With
Coconut
I’m going to start off this list with a food that’s really making its rounds lately. Coconut seems to be everywhere, and it really is a great food to keep on hand for a number of reasons. Coconut oil is probably the first item I’d go with. It’s really versatile, as it’s great for either baking or cooking and frying. Give it a try here – Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
Vegetable Stock
Another great option for cooking, vegetable stock is a flavor powerhouse. Rather than cooking things in water, vegetable stock can really boost the taste of meats (especially chicken), potatoes, and other starches like rice and pasta. It also comes full of extra vitamins and minerals, especially if it’s homemade.
Avocados
You’ll always find a few avocados in my fridge. In addition to being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, one avocado contains about 7 or 8 grams of protein. Plus avocados are high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help boost your metabolism.
Seaweed
There are a few varieties of seaweed you can buy, but all come packed with vitamins and minerals like folate, calcium, and magnesium. Dried seaweed is great to have on hand and in addition to using it in homemade sushi, you can also make chips out of it with a little seasoning and some baking, or throw it in soups and salads.
Chia Seeds
This is another one I can’t live without. Chia seeds are high in protein and healthy fats, both of which are great when you’re trying to burn fat and lose weight. Sprinkle them on a salad, or blend them into a smoothie. Take a look here – Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds
Quinoa
I know this one isn’t new, but it’s still one of my favorites, and it’s an excellent grain-replacement. If you’re on a gluten-free or low-carb diet, quinoa needs to be in your kitchen. It’s technically a seed, and it’s full of protein and other nutrients to support a healthy lifestyle.
Swiss Chard
Kale isn’t the only leafy green superfood you need to keep on hand. Swiss chard is also pretty amazing, being full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. The fiber content is also great for losing weight. Include it in a salad of mixed greens, or sauté it in a little oil and garlic.
Chickpeas
Of all the lentils and beans you can stock your kitchen with, I recommend chickpeas first and foremost. They’re probably the most versatile, and when purchased canned, they can easily be thrown into a salad or use to boost the flavor of a pasta or rice dish. High in protein and fiber, they’re a superfood in their own right, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
Ginger Root
Fresh ginger is a fantastic health food, and one that’s affordable and easy to keep on hand. It works really well in a stir fry, or it can be blended into a smoothie or combined with fresh juices. Ginger contains natural ingredients that help support a healthy immune system and boost your metabolism. Another huge benefit of ginger is that helps with digestion and has said to be a great benefit to those who get heartburn or acid reflux.
Almonds are great for snacking, but they’re also an amazing food to have on hand during dinner prep. Chopped almonds go really well in pretty much any cold salad, and they can even be cooked with chicken or veggies. Although high in fat, almonds contain healthy fats that can keep your body’s fat-burning potential at its highest. For a great fat-burning snack, try these Cajun Lemon Pepper Almonds.
