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I wrote this post to share my testimony about how a plant-based diet helped treat a rare hormonal disorder. If you want to know more, then click here to read more. Anyway, a year later, I’m living a clean and healthy lifestyle. This fabulous diet has my body more robust than it has been in years. After years of trial and error with my weight, hormones and skin, I’m here to share how I built my essential plant based pantry to continue on this journey.
However, before I unfold every essential in my pantry, let me share a few cooking habits. This plant based pantry guide is to make cooking fun and simple, not to mention cost-effective. Besides, we are our interpreter, so albeit clean eating may be challenging and sometimes, stocking your pantry will plant your footsteps to make better choices. And I didn’t forget that clean eating is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.
Let’s begin!
READ: IS PCOS TREATABLE? LET’S CHANGE IT FROM MEDICINE TO PLANT
THE STAPLES IN A PLANT BASED PANTRY
The secret is to think of your pantry or cabinets as a restaurant. How are you going to dine? In the kitchen, I make notes on my phone of what stays and what needs to be added. Also, I take notes on which storage jars need to be ensured to keep the dry goods fresh and away from bugs. Then, I move to the refrigerator and do the same. This helps me stay healthy and avoid worthless purchases. Oh no! I forgot to tell you a plant-based pantry is all about shelving your cupboard with nutritious items derived from plants.
BEFORE YOU START
Be ruthless! Yes, get rid of anything in your pantry that is unhealthy and doesn’t align with your healthy lifestyle plan. Then make a list and stick to it. It’s too easy to pick up a snack or junk food that is not healthy. Another step that helps me is not to go shopping when I am feeling stressed. You are more vulnerable to making unhealthy food choices. Okay, let’s get to the pantry!
LEGUMES
This consists of beans and high plant-based protein. I stay away from canned peas – it’s my personal choice. Plus, dry beans are cheaper than canned beans. It also adds more flavor to your pot. But do I need to mention canned goods have BPA and aluminum? A side note: be careful with kidney beans, as they contain a toxin that can cause food poisoning.
List: Dry beans (lentils, chickpeas, pinto, black beans, etc.)
SEED AND NUTS
I know some people have nut allergies, but I mainly use nuts for my plant-based milk and smoothies.
List: Cashew, walnut, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seed, flaxseeds, chia seeds, tahini and others.
RICE AND GRAINS
I’m not entirely a rice person. I’m more of a grains lover, but if I choose rice, these are my options.
List: Basmati, Jasmine, paella rice, brown rice, quinoa, oats, etc.
VEGETABLES
There are many vegetables, so I’ve listed my most-used vegetables in this post. Vegetables have a shelf life of 2 to 4 days; keep that in mind when purchasing.
List: Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Artichokes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Celery, Zucchini, Cucumber, etc. And my root vegetables are sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, radishes, yams, etc.
FRUITS
Fruits are healthy and an essential part of my plant based diet. Because it’s a quick, healthy snack.
List: Berries, blackberries, apples, avocado, mangoes, pear, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, bananas, melons, cherries, grapefruit, pomegranate, Granny Smith, etc.
FRESH HERBS AND SPICES –
I grew up in the Caribbean, so fresh herbs and spices are dear to my heart. I’m not a pinch-of-salt-and-black-pepper girl (lol). Moreover, fresh herbs and spices add an entirely different flavor to your meal. It’s also just healthier – because of antioxidants.
List: Basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, chives, green onions, thyme, oregano, ginger, tamari, red pepper flakes, cumin, cinnamon, curry, rosemary, lemongrass, etc.
POWDERS
There are various powders, but these are my staples.
List: Pumpkin seed powder, ashwagandha, cacao powder, turmeric powder, maca powder, hemp protein powder etc.
PROTEIN
List: Beans, Quinoa, lentils, nutritional yeast. If you want to add meat – Boneless Chicken thighs or breasts, Salmon, Tofu, Fish and eggs, pastured organic.
OTHERS
This section is where you can add your staples.
In the end, it’s all about developing a healthy strategy. A lot of planning and budgeting goes into each meal. Besides, I really take my health seriously because feeling my best is key to functioning at my fittest. So instead of relying on the restaurant to provide me with essential nutrients, I stock my pantry with the right foods.
CONCLUSION
Before I close, let me share a fun tip. Read the labels! You would be surprised at the unhealthy ingredients in those bottles.
Now that I’m considering changing my pantry to plant-based foods, I know this post would help you.
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