How to Stock Your Pantry for Balanced Eating

Want to stock your pantry so it’s really easy for you to make balanced meals with what you have on hand? 

Setting your environment up for success is key to maintaining balanced eating habits for the long-term, even when life is busy, stressful, or you’re out of your normal routine.

Our Mindful Nutrition Method members know that maintaining the balance they’d like to have is so much easier when they make it easier to follow through, and having options in your pantry is one simple way to make that possible! 

It’s an amazing feeling to open up a pantry full of your favorite nourishing whole foods just waiting to be used in your next meal or snack, and it’s great to be stocked at all times just in case inspiration strikes to make homemade nut butter, trail mix, truffles, soup, a batch of cookies, etc.

But, you may be wondering, what do I need to be stocked in my pantry to set myself up for success with balanced eating? Keep reading and I’ll guide you through a few simple tips! 

What to Include In Your Pantry for  Balanced Eating 

The key to stocking your pantry for balanced meals is to make sure you have ingredients for each of the elements in my Foundational Five, which is my system for creating balanced meals. 

You’ll need protein, fat, non-starchy carbohydrates, starchy and sugary carbohydrates, and Flavor Factors. 

Beans and Legumes

Element of the Foundational Five: Starchy Carbohydrates and Protein 

If you know me, you know beans are a huge staple in our household — we eat them multiple times a day!

Dry beans and legumes open up an entire world of plant protein, fiber, and versatility in texture in everyone’s diet regardless of if you consume only plant-based proteins or animal proteins.

Since beans and legumes are incredibly affordable, even if you do consume animal proteins you can incorporate them into animal protein dishes to help reduce the amount of meat intake while making your meal go longer. For example, when making traditional taco meat, add beans and use half or less of the actual meat to increase your nutrition and yield.

If you use canned, I recommend finding organic canned beans and rinsing them very well before using them. 

Beans and Legumes to Consider Stocking Up On: 

• Black beans
• White beans
• Pinto Beans 
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Mung Beans
• Kidney Beans
• Chickpea pasta and rice (look for the Banza brand)

Grains

Element of the Foundational Five: Starchy Carbohydrates

Grains are rich in starchy carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fatty acids and offer a host of vitamins and minerals. Besides fruit, grains and legumes are one of the ultimate carbohydrate sources in a whole food lifestyle.

Grains to Consider Stocking in Your Pantry: 

• Quinoa
• Amarath
• Rice varieties (wild, brown, forbidden) 
• Millet 
• Buckwheat
• Oats
• Soba Noodles
• Gluten-free pasta

Nuts 

Element of the Foundational Five: Healthy Fat 

Nuts and seeds are a staple in my pantry because of their wide variety of use, flavor, texture, and nutrient density overall. Whenever I need a little extra heaviness in any recipe or want to boost the protein and minerals, I’ll open up my pantry full of glass jars filled to the tops with nuts and seeds and be reminded of all the possibilities there are in this healthy fat family.

I recommend purchasing your nuts and seeds in their most plain and natural state – raw, unsalted, and organic when possible. This not only ensures you’re getting the most nutrient density, but also the widest range culinary speaking since you can adjust the flavor of each nut and seed by lightly toasting or adding salt to enhance the nutty flavors. Most nuts and seeds contain heart-healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and plant-based proteins.

Nuts and Seeds to Consider Stocking in Your Pantry: 

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Brazil Nuts
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Pine Nuts
• Chia Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Flax Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Sunflower Seeds
• Seasame Seeds

Oils 

Element of the Foundational Five: Healthy Fat

Don’t fear the fat! Adding healthy fats to any dish aids in our body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, A, E, and K.

These also provide a layer of flavor and a vehicle for fat-soluble vitamins that no other macronutrient can compete with. Healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil have been shown to provide cardiovascular benefits, aid in digestion, help with hormone production, fight inflammation, aid in healthy hair, nail, and skin integrity, and play a role in collagen production.

Stock These High-Quality Oils: 

• Avocado Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Flaxseed Oil
• Olive Oil
• Sesame Oil 

Vinegar

Element of the Foundational Five: Flavor Factor 

Vinegars are a must-have in any  kitchen! They provide the tang and acidity most recipes require to balance flavors as well as provide a host of nutritional benefits, especially those that are naturally fermented such as raw apple cider vinegar.

Vinegars in general are used towards the end of recipe for adding a final splash of acid and tang to brighten the dish or enhance flavors. Raw apple cider vinegar, for example, contains naturally fermented bacteria (the good guys) that help our digestion by aiding in the breakdown of proteins and food. This can help ease bloat and can be used alternatively to improve skin when used as a toner.

When shopping for vinegar, opt for unpasteurized and naturally fermented as much as possible, the next best option is an organic unfiltered vinegar. The only ingredients should solely be the vinegar, so no added colorings, caramel colorings, or thickeners.

Stock Your Pantry With These Vinegars: 

• Bragg Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Sherry Vinegar
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Coconut Vinegar

Dried Herbs and Spices

Element of the Foundational Five: Flavor Factor 

Dried herbs and spices are the easiest to store, making them accessible and simple ways to boost flavor and nutrition sans artificial flavorings and added sodium.

Not only do herbs and spices add tremendous flavor to every dish, but they’re also packed with nutrition, especially my favorite of them all – turmeric and cinnamon.

Add These Herbs and Spices to Your Pantry:

• Basil
• Chive
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Mint
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Sage
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Bragg Nutritional Yeast

 Convenient Yet Nourishing Foods

Element of the Foundational Five: Varies

Whether it’s a premade snack or baking mix, having your pantry stocked with a few convenient items is key for maintaining balanced eating habits. We all know there will be days where you don’t have the time or energy to make the balanced meal you’d like or when you’re really wanting something to snack on that’s healthy. 

In those moments, its key to having options on hand that make it easy for you to make balanced choices. 

Stock Up on Convenient Yet Nourishing Options From These Brands: 

• Simple Mills
• Siete Foods
• Hu Kitchen
• Forager 
• Bob’s Red Mill
• Late July
• Mary’s Gone Crackers

Stocking Your Pantry for Balanced Eating

Now that you know what should be stocked in your pantry, your next step is to identify what gaps you have. Do you have at least one option per category? Which ingredients don’t you have but you realize you would absolutely love to eat more often? 

Take inventory and then put it on your grocery list this week.

Remember, it may seem simple but stocking your pantry is one way you can set yourself up for success and make it so much easier to build the habit of balanced eating. 

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