10 Foods You Need to Stock Your Kitchen With

10 Foods to Have on Hand at All Times

One of the biggest challenge we all face is which are the best foods to buy when you’re at the grocery store to get those abs to really show. There’s just so many options and so many so called “superfoods” but having a clear focus and plan when you go grocery shopping is really the key to eating healthier and in turn feeling your best.

Let’s not waste anytime though and simplify things for you a bit by looking at a list of 10 of the best foods to keep stocked in your kitchen.

This is by no means a complete grocery list, but these items all pack a serious nutritional punch, and can really go a long way to support your weight loss and training goals (sorry I had to plug the name of the website! haha).

All kidding aside, get your grocery list out, grab a pen, and find at least 5 you want to try this week.

10 Healthy Foods to Stock Your Kitchen With

Coconut

I’m going to start off this list with a food that’s really making its rounds lately. Coconut seems to be everywhere, and it really is a great food to keep on hand for a number of reasons. Coconut oil is probably the first item I’d go with. It’s really versatile, as it’s great for either baking or cooking and frying. Give it a try here – Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil

Vegetable Stock

Another great option for cooking, vegetable stock is a flavor powerhouse. Rather than cooking things in water, vegetable stock can really boost the taste of meats (especially chicken), potatoes, and other starches like rice and pasta. It also comes full of extra vitamins and minerals, especially if it’s homemade.

Avocados

You’ll always find a few avocados in my fridge. In addition to being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, one avocado contains about 7 or 8 grams of protein. Plus avocados are high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help boost your metabolism and keep you full for hours after eating them.  Plus who doesn’t like a good guacamole?

Roasted Seaweed

There are a few varieties of seaweed you can buy, but all come packed with vitamins and minerals like folate, calcium, and magnesium. Roasted seaweed is great to have on hand and in addition to using it in homemade sushi, you can also make chips out of it with a little seasoning (like cayanne or cajun) and some baking, or throw it in soups and salads.

Chia Seeds

This is another one I can’t live without. Chia seeds are high in protein and healthy fats, both of which are great when you’re trying to burn fat and lose weight. Sprinkle them on a salad, or blend them into a smoothie. Take a look here – Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds

Black Beans

I know this one isn’t new, but it’s still one of my favorites, and it’s an excellent grain-replacement. If you’re on a gluten-free or low-carb diet, black beans needs to be in your kitchen. It’s full of protein and fiber to keep you full longer.

Swiss Chard

Kale isn’t the only leafy green superfood you need to keep on hand. Swiss chard is also pretty amazing, being full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. The fiber content is also great for losing weight. Include it in a salad of mixed greens, or sauté it in a little oil and garlic.

Chickpeas

Of all the lentils and beans you can stock your kitchen with, I recommend chickpeas first and foremost. They’re probably the most versatile, and when purchased canned, they can easily be thrown into a salad or use to boost the flavor of a pasta or rice dish. High in protein and fiber, they’re a superfood in their own right, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

Ginger Root

Fresh ginger is a fantastic health food, and one that’s affordable and easy to keep on hand. It works really well in a stir fry, or it can be blended into a smoothie or combined with fresh juices. Ginger contains natural ingredients that help support a healthy immune system and boost your metabolism. Another huge benefit of ginger is that helps with digestion and has said to be a great benefit to those who get heartburn or acid reflux.

Almonds

Almonds are great for snacking, but they’re also an amazing food to have on hand during dinner prep. Chopped almonds go really well in pretty much any cold salad, and they can even be cooked with chicken or veggies. Although high in fat, almonds contain healthy fats that can keep your body’s fat-burning potential at its highest. For a great fat-burning snack, try these Cajun Lemon Pepper Almonds.

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