What's in Your Pantry?

If your pantry is anything like mine, it serves as storage for a number of other items besides food. So, I thought it would be fitting to start by organizing this space so it can serve you in the most positive way. 

First, go through and and get rid of everything that has expired. I know this seems obvious but for most of us including me, we let canned goods, baking products and spices accumulate long past their expiration date. Not only does this take up valuable space, but by using things that have expired, it can ruin anything you are cooking or baking. Second, address foodstuffs in your pantry you know you shouldn't use. It is time to gather those boxes of Hamburger Helper and other short cut meals, bag them and drop them off at NAM, TEAM or your local food pantry. Third, be honest with yourself and get rid of all snack items, sweet or salty, that will derail your progress. Remember, if you want to be successful in your quest for a healthy lifestyle, changes must be made and they aren't always easy!

My walk-in pantry is extremely well organized because I don't like clutter, mess or anything that makes it hard for me to find what I am looking for. Fortunately for my OCD tendencies, I have built-in racks that run the length of my pantry door so I can keep spices, oils, vinegars and cooking sprays in order. I have dedicated shelves for can goods, baking goods, protein powders, starches, bottled drinks (water, powerade zero,juice) and storage goods. This may seem a bit over the top to some but organization is key to keeping yourself on track. When shopping for pantry staples avoid processed foods and purchase organic products. You will be surprised the impact this will have on your physical well being, not to mention your waist line! To make this a bit easier, I have put together a list to help you get started!

Spices are of utmost importance so your dishes taste interesting and you will actually want to eat them. The ones I tend to use most are Sea Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Cinnamon. Always keep a low-sodium, organic chicken broth in stock. Invest in good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. By good quality I mean organic, not the most expensive. If you are not familiar with Grapeseed Oil, it is fabulous for cooking poultry, beef and fish at high heat and a little bit goes a long way! Starch staples to stock include Old Fashioned Oats, Quick Cooking Oats, Organic Quinoa and Organic Basmati Brown Rice. For baking consider Splenda, Xylitol, Ideal Brown Sugar, Oat Flour, Coconut Flour, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk and Kosher Salt because they are healthier than their mainstream brethren. I also keep two types of protein powder on hand: Vanilla Whey Protein Powder for baking  and Chocolate Whey Isolate Protein Powder for recovery shakes. And, last but not least: Dark Chocolate. Hey, we all have to sooth the savage sweet tooth. 

There are probably several products on this list you are not familiar with, I wasn't either before I started using them. Xylitol is a natural sweetener made from fruit extracts and I think it tastes much better than Stevia or Truvia because there is no funny aftertaste. Xylitol can be purchased at  GNC or Nutrition Depot, however, I prefer to order it online because it is half the retail price. A website I often order from is www.iherb.com. If you spend $20 shipping is free and products usually arrive within 3-5 days of order placement.

You maybe asking yourself, "Do I have to buy all this now?" No, you don't  but look at this as an initial investment in your new, healthy lifestyle. Once you have acquired it, it can be replenished as needed. I shop at Kroger, H.E.B and online. Kroger is just convenient and with their card I can get some great deals, not to mention discounts on gas. I shop at H.E.B for things I can't find at Kroger like ground chicken breast and Central Market's Organic Jasmine Green Tea. All my supplements and out of the ordinary staples are purchased online.

I hope this has given you some ideas and a project to undertake this weekend. Don't procrastinate because next we tackle the refrigerator and freezer! This is all part of the process and you must always keep your end goal in mind so find your motivation and don't let anyone or anything stand in your way! 

Until next time, be your best self and keep it Fit with Attitude!

XOXO,

Carrie