Do you wanna eat healthy but not sure where to start…. Here are some great ideas for your pantry so you can have a good assortment of foods on hand for dinner!
One big misconception about eating clean is that it is boring and bland…. SO NOT TRUE! I am a true foodie which means I love food and good food at that!
Some pantry basics:
Proteins
Tuna packets - there are a main stay in my lunchbox and my work locker, no draining needed! Be sure to get the ones packed in water
Canned chicken- for when the idea of eating another can of tuna makes you violent
Egg Whites- I get the egg whites international ones becuase honestly @ 4am I don’t want to crack eggs, I order a couple at a time since they freeze well.
Frozen Tilapia or Orange Roughy Fillets, most grocery stores carry these now in 10-20 individually frozen fillets in a case. Perfect for the george foreman grill! In less than 5 min you have a perfectly grilled fish fillet!
Ground turkey rolls, Do you remember how ground beef came in the plastic rolls? Now jennie O makes a turkey version and it gives you an option to get the all white meat one. ( the green and white roll) I have used these for turkey meatloaf, turkey spaghetti and turkey burgers, yum!! Plus last week I price compared $1.47lbs vs the ground beef was $3.89lb. Go Turkey!
Turkey Bacon- For the comfort food moment with your scrambled egg whites ( new way to cook it…. george foreman! Makes it yummy and fat slides off into the little dish!
Peanut Butter, good rule of thumb, the only ingredient should be peanuts!
Last but not least, chicken breast! the yummy boneless skinless kind. For those of us on a budget, try the frozen bags of chicken breast at all grocery stores, can help keep the price per lb under $2.50 and thrown on the grill cooks up in no time.
Carbs
Rice- Brown & Jasmine, when not cutting i love to mix these two and cook them together, that way I am gets the yummy taste of jasmine with all the nutrients from its brown cousin.
Whole wheat pancake mix, I am a breakfast girl and cook for 3 boys so I have to be creative, mix in some of your favorite protein powder ( I like the BSN Lean Dessert Banana Creme) for some flavor and top with sugar free maple syrup, smuckers makes a great one.
Beans- I love black beans in my eggs whites, on salads etc, great source of fiber & protein.
High Fiber Pasta- I have been finding a much larger selection of low carb high fiber pastas in the grocery store!
Oats- A given, I am a quaker girl, love the old fashion ones. Although recently I have been finding the whole foods/ central market style stores carry steel cut oats in bulk, great way to save money and cut down the processing.
Sweet Potatoes another given.
Flax Seed Bread, yum-o!
Whole Wheat Tortillas- throw these in the fridge to get a longer shelf life.
Veggies
Try the ziploc steamer bags…. I love them… totally love them, fresh steamed veggies in under 5 min!
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Bell Peppers of all colors!
Tomatoes - if you want a recipe for fresh salsa let me know!
Onions - total super food
romaine Lettuce- If you tight on a schedule I buy it in 32oz pre cut/washed bags, last about 2-3 days.
lemons and limes whatever is on sale, helps jazz up fish on the grill
Cucumbers
Garlic - I am Italian and cook tons with garlic!
Squash, amazing in the steamer bags!
Spinach, add a little EVOO and some garlic- heaven!
Dairy- Happy Cows time.
Low Fat Cottage Cheese- backbone of my snacks
Skim Milk
No Sugar Added Yogurt- Actually really good mixed in with your morning oats.
Other randoms,
Sugar Free Ketcup, this is actually amazing tasting
No Sugar Added Jams, with a slice of the flax seed bread and cure a carb craving in no time. Plus everyone needs a good PB&J every now and then.
Fat Free Sugar Free Puddings - can get through any sugar craving.
Spices, you can make the blandest foods amazing with good spices, try to stick to low-no sodium ones like Mrs Dash.
Sugar free chocolate syrup - okay another crazy crissy recipe, mix it with the egg whites for a quickie protein shake! trust me taste amazing!
Add depending on your taste and style! Eating Clean can still be Eating Amazing!
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