Stocking The Pantry

A key part of consistently eating well is being prepared. And that starts with having a well-stocked pantry, full of all the things you need to be able to whip up healthy, yummy meals easily. Keep reading! I promised this is easier and more affordable than you’re currently thinking! I’ve broken down my list of pantry staples below and will share with you all my tips and tricks. 

So, the easiest way to get started is to do a big initial shop for all of your dried and non-perishable goods. These will become your pantry staples. Then your weekly shop will largely just be fresh fruit and veges, meat and fish.  

Quick tip: I always shop for my non-perishable goods at a bulk foods discount store, which I visit approximately once per month. That way I’m getting the best bang for my buck, especially when choosing organic ingredients. Make sure you choose a supplier that has a high turnover of goods, otherwise you can pay a lot of money for things that are rancid or at least on their way out.

Ok, now back to what to buy. I fear this list is going to seem overwhelming, which is not my intention. You don’t have to get all of this in one super shop! Start with one item in every category, and increase gradually. Explore different recipes and food groups to build up your supplies. 

MY PANTRY STAPLES:

Nuts and seeds: You’ll always find a stash of raw almonds and raw sunflower seeds at my place. Then, I also stock a loose combo of the following: walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews and pumpkin seeds. Macadamias (purchased at my local market) barely last long enough to make it home, and so don’t ever get stocked in the pantry... I also have this problem with nut butters, but if you have self control, it’s often helpful to have a good quality peanut butter or almond butter in the pantry. I also keep chia seeds and flaxseeds on hand to add to smoothies and make chia pudding. 

Sweeteners: I usually have honey and a proper maple syrup. At times, I also stock coconut sugar for making warm drinks.

Spices: Make your own decisions here, as I am obsessed! I cannot live without cinnamon, cumin and my own blend of chilli and paprika goodness (to add to stir-fry veggies = yum). I encourage you to learn to use spices more frequently. They’re incredible for your digestion and your cellular health, they make food taste rock star and aren’t as complicated as they seem. In sweet dishes or smoothies consider experimenting with ginger, nutmeg and real vanilla essence. In savoury dishes play with smoked paprika, cumin seeds, tumeric and bay leaves. But this is just the beginning!!!

Nut milks: I always have tinned coconut cream and milk, UHT unsweetened almond milk and UHT coconut water (for smoothies). I’ll also buy fresh almond milk when I’m using it regularly - it makes everything taste incredible, but is not cheap!

Dry goods: Rolled oats, chia seeds, rice flour, brown rice, quinoa are the staples.  Followed by popping corn and rice flour so I always have a gluten free flour on hand. Then I also keep lentils and chickpeas to throw into stews and salads. 

Olis: I always choose extra virgin oils, as they are as whole and unprocessed as it gets. Extra virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil are musts. You can also use hemp oil and flax oil if you’re looking for variations to add to salads.

Packet foods: I always have bean pastas on hand for a super quick, protein rich meal. Check out both the Eco-Organics and Explore brands. My favourite is the black bean pastas because the protein content is super high, but I also like the edamame versions. At times I also have rice noodles or soba noodles (made from 100% buckwheat flour, which is gluten free) on hand for a quick meal.

Vinegars: Apple cider vinegar (which gets a hammering when lemons are out of season) and red wine vinegar are go-tos. As well as balsamic vinegar, and also dijon mustard.

Salt: Choose Himalayan pink salt or Malcolm Harker Sea Salt and Kelp.

I hope you have enjoyed the tour of my pantry! Remember, you don’t have to get all of this today. Start with the ingredients that resonate with you, and add more as you work through our recipes. The most important thing here is that your pantry is stocked with as many healthy, whole-foods as possible. Foods you love that will make preparing meals as simple as possible. Good luck!