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Sample Checklist for Restocking Your Pantry

There is no better place to start addressing your nutrition needs than in your pantry. Stocking it with meal essentials can help you to build more nutritious meals and choose healthier snacks. Get ready for healthy eating habits in 2014 by including the following pantry building blocks on your grocery list:

Vegetables

  • diced tomatoes
  • corn
  • green beans
  • marinara sauce (only tomatoes and herbs/spices on the ingredient list)
  • black olives
  • sun-dried tomatoes
  • fruits
  • peaches
  • pears
  • pineapple
  • mandarin oranges
  • dried fruits

Nuts, Seeds, Beans and Other Proteins

  • walnuts
  • almonds
  • pine nuts
  • pistachios
  • cashews
  • chia seeds
  • natural/organic peanut butter, or other nut butter
  • black beans
  • cannellini beans/white beans
  • kidney beans
  • garbanzo beans/chickpeas
  • canned salmon
  • canned tuna
  • canned sardines

Pastas and Grains

  • brown rice
  • couscous
  • bulgur
  • oatmeal
  • barley
  • buckwheat
  • quinoa
  • popcorn
  • whole-grain cereal, low-sugar (such as Cheerios)

Herbs, Spices, Oils, and Flavor-Enhancers

  • dried garlic
  • curry powder
  • cinnamon
  • dried parsley
  • dried oregano
  • cumin
  • saffron
  • olive oil
  • balsamic vinegar
  • reduced-sodium chicken broth

Mix these spices to add a cultural flair to any dish. You can use them as marinades for proteins or add them to whole grains for a tasty side dish

Indian. 1 t dried garlic + 1 t dried onion + 1 t curry powder + 1 t cinnamon +2 T olive oil
Asian. 1 t dried garlic + 2 bunches scallions + 1 T sesame seeds + 1 t dried ginger + › C soy sauce
Italian. 1 t garlic + 1 t dried basil + 1 t dried parsley + 1 t dried oregano + › C marinara sauce
Middle Eastern. 1 t ground dried garlic + 1 t dried onion + ┬╝ C fresh mint + 1 t ground cumin + pinch saffron + lemon juice + ┬╝ C plain nonfat yogurt
Mexican. 1 t cumin + 1 t dried onion + 1 t dried oregano + › C fresh cilantro + 2 T olive oil

To read the full article from the November 2013 issue of IDEA Food and Nutrition Tips click here.


Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD

"Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine physician, registered dietitian and health coach. She practices general pediatrics with a focus on healthy family routines, nutrition, physical activity and behavior change in North County, San Diego. She also serves as the senior advisor for healthcare solutions at the American Council on Exercise. Natalie is the author of five books and is committed to helping every child and family thrive. She is a strong advocate for systems and communities that support prevention and wellness across the lifespan, beginning at 9 months of age."

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