Stock your Kitchen like a Dietitian

A well-stocked kitchen with cooking essentials makes creating a quick and balanced meal a whole lot easier! Today, I will share some of the top items I keep on hand to ensure a nutritiously packed fridge, freezer and pantry. This way, when you go to the grocery store, you will know which kitchen essentials need to be topped up.

My top 5 items to stock your fridge, freezer and pantry:

Fridge:

• Milk, yogurt and cheese
• Fresh fruits (such as: apples, oranges, grapes) and fresh vegetables (such as: celery, large bag baby carrots, lettuce etc)
• Eggs! They make a quick meal and offer a convenient protein source
• Hummus or other bean dip
• Flavour builders (lemon, lime, fresh garlic and ginger)

Freezer:

• Frozen vegetables and fruit (just as nutritious as fresh)
• Pre-portioned quantities of meat and fish (this allows you to take appropriate servings out to thaw in the fridge the evening before)
• Whole grain pita, English muffins, sliced bread (stays fresh longer in the freezer)
• Tomato sauce and homemade soup or chili (speedy meals)
• Leftovers! (Pre-portion into lunch size containers)

Pantry:

• Canned tuna, salmon and canned legumes (lentils, black beans, chickpeas)
• Whole grains (ie. brown rice, quinoa, wheat berries, oats, bulgar, pasta etc)
• Olive oil
• Nut butter, unsalted nuts and seeds
• Low sodium soup broth (for making homemade soups for batch cooking)

Bottom Line:

A well-stocked kitchen puts you in the ready position for simply cooking and enjoying healthy, balanced meals.