There is something fresh and clean about a New Year . . . and I love it!
Maybe it’s the cold crisp air, or that my house is less cluttered with holiday decor put away. Really, I think it’s more of a mindset. . . the past year is behind us with all its wins and losses and a new year is ahead. The slate is clean for 2018 to become anything that I want it to be.
This year, I want 12 months of energy and restoration! I know that has to happen from the inside out and the first step is to reclaim my pantry.
I cant save it for a rainy day or hide it from myself on the top shelf. I have to toss (or feel free to donate) processed, packaged, sugar-laden junk food. Next, I fill my pantry with all my easy, healthy, satisfying go-to items. These are the things that make healthy snacks convenient and quick weeknight meals a cinch. Interested in what those things are?
Here are the 7 essentials to stock your pantry for the new year:
1. Coconut Oil
There appears to be no end to what I can do with coconut oil (and my newest favorite coconut butter). I use it to saute, bake, and in most recipes as a dairy-free substitute for butter. Studies have shown that coconut oil helps promote healthy cholesterol levels, a strong immune system, and fat burning.
2. Bone Broth
I use this in all my soups and stews, as well as to steam vegetables. Bone broth contains highly absorbable minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, and potassium. In addition, you get a boost of nutrients like chondroitin, glucosamine, and collagen found in beauty and joint supplements.
3. Raw Nuts and Seeds
Snacking on nuts is a great way to get healthy fats and protein in a quick snack. They are usually cheapest when bought in bulk, but I divide them up in single serve containers because I have no concept of portion control when it comes to nuts and seeds. Macadamia nuts and pumpkin seeds are what you will find most often in my pantry.
4. Almond Flour
I use almond flour in place of wheat flour in nearly all of my cooking, whether it’s baking cookies or breading chicken tenders. In addition to being a gluten-free substitute, almond flour is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin E.
5. Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
By my stovetop, you will find avocado oil for sautéing and in my pantry, you will find jars of avocado oil mayonnaise. While your typical mayo contains inflammatory vegetable oils, added sugar, and “other flavorings”, I look for products containing only anti-inflammatory avocado oil, eggs, vinegar, and salt. It’s thick, creamy, flavorful and makes just about anything taste better.
6. Antiinflammatory Spices
Our ancestors used herbs and spices to treat all kinds of ailments, likely due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So why not incorporate them whenever we can to add both a flavor and nutritional boost to our meals. The most antioxidant-rich include turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, sage, and rosemary.
7. Quality Supplements
Despite my best efforts, I can’t get all the nutrients I need to look and feel my best even from these superfoods. First, I couldn’t possibly eat enough of them in one day and my schedule often trips me up. In addition, our stressful lives and toxic environment add an additional nutritional burden to our bodies. Quality supplements fill in the gaps for me and my family.
My main goal with pantry staples is as few ingredients as possible . . . . and ingredients I can actually pronounce. The extra supplements I find helpful to add to the mix daily are probiotics (for better gut health and digestion), omega 3 fatty acids (for brain and heart health), amino acids (to support lean muscle), and greens powder (for fiber and phytonutrients).
