Monday 2 July 2012

Staple Foods for a Healthy Pantry


by: Floyd Adan

Whether you’re single or have a whole family to feed, planning meals can be pretty stressful at times when you’re on the go and want to stay healthy.  But it doesn’t have to be if your pantry is stocked with the necessary healthy staples.  Then again, when was the last time you took inventory of your pantry?  If its been a while and even if not, here is a list of pantry staples to inspire and support your healthy meals and lifestyle…

Almonds:  High in protein, minerals, and vitamin E, these crunchies help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and even promote weight loss. Great as a snack, chopped or ground and added to oatmeal, yogurt or baked goods.  Walnuts are also great for all of the above—buy in bulk and store them in the freezer to keep’m fresh!

Oatmeal:  Its high in fiber, protein, and B vitamins and is great for reducing stress. Its a classic for breakfast, in muffins, home-made energy bars, and of course oatmeal cookies.

Brown rice: High in fiber and magnesium brown rice is great as a side dish, with stir-fry, and in soups.  It even makes a great last minute breakfast—warm up leftover brown rice and eat with a bit of milk and cinnamon—yum!

Flaxseeds:  High in fiber and omega 3 fatty acids, flax helps prevent heart disease, cancer, promote good digestion and healthy skin. Sprinkle ground seeds on oatmeal, cereal, toast, or put into smoothies.

Legumes:  High in protein, fiber, and iron, can be added to salads, soups, chili, or blended into hummus or bean dip.

Honey: A great alternative to sugar, use in baking to sweeten tea, spread on toast, or include in home-made salad dressing or marinades.

Garlic: High in minerals, B vitamins and vitamin C, garlic helps prevent heart disease, and cancer.  Use in everything from stir-fries, soups, salad dressing, and cooked veggies, to plain roasted garlic, mixed into mashed potatoes or spread on bread/ crackers.

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