Reorganizing your pantry is an excellent way to improve your eating habits and make healthier choices. Start by clearing out any unhealthy items that are high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. Then, organize your pantry by grouping similar items together and creating labels for each section. Stock your pantry with healthy staples such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Make sure to include a variety of canned and frozen fruits and vegetables. Finally, add in some healthy snacks such as popcorn, apples, and celery sticks. Now your pantry is ready to help you make healthier choices and eat better.
Below are some pantry staples to start with which, I have divide into major food groups or macro-nutrients- Carbohydrates, Proteins & Fats. With these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create delicious, vegan meals.
Proteins & Carbohydrates
Dried or canned beans - If you were to start with I highly recommend 3-4 cans of low sodium or no salt Chickpeas/Garbanzo & Black beans.
Lentils-Yellow (aka Mung dal) or Red lentils (Masoor Dal), these have the fastest cooking time.
Whole Grains- Quinoa & Sprouted brown rice. You can add Farro, Wheat berries, Barley and more.
Gluten-free Rolled Oats - 2 lb pack from Trader Joes or Bob's Red Mills brand available at your local grocery store.
Flour- Oat flour (can be made with rolled oats), Almond Flour/meal, Chickpea flour.
Fats
Nuts-Cashews, Walnuts, Almonds, Pistachios
Oils- Neutral cooking oils like Olive Oil, Grapeseed oil, Coconut oil, Canola
Seeds- Flaxmeal, Chia, Sunflower, Pumpkin
Non-Dairy Milk
Almond or any nut milk
Oat- creamier texture
Soy- higher protein content
Coconut milk -creamy
Other
Nutritional Yeast- For a nutty, savory or cheesy flavor in dishes.
Spices -Few of my favorites- Cumin powder, Smoked paprika, Chili Powder, Crushed red pepper, Turmeric, Garam Masala, Whole spices
Dried Herbs-Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme
Low Sodium Vegetable Broth - Trader Joes brand is the best priced.