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My first post at the launching of my website in August 2019 was titled “Acromegaly- Plant-Based diet regulated Hormones”. I penned this post to share my testimony on how a plant-based diet treated 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 ev’ry 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 the treasure 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 that 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 jar needs to ensure the dry goods are kept 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 off your healthy lifestyle plan. Then make a list and stick to it. It’s too easy to pick up a snack or junk that is not healthy. Another step that helps me is don’t go shopping when you are feeling stress. You are more vulnerable to make 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 a can. It also adds more flavor to your pot. But do I need to mention canned goods have BPA and aluminum? A side note is to be careful with kidney beans because they contain a toxin that causes 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.
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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 a grains lover, but if I choose rice, these are my options.
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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 two to four days, therefore keep that in mind when purchasing.
List: Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Artichokes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Celery, Zucchini, cucumber etc. And my roots vegetables are sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, radishes, yam etc.
FRUITS
Fruits are healthy and an essential part of my plant based diet. Because it’s a way to grab a quick healthy snack.
List: Berries, blackberries, apples, avocado, mangoes, pear, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, banana, melons, cherries, grapefruit pomegranate apples, 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, mint rosemary, lemongrass etc.
POWDERS
There are varieties of powder, but these are my staples.
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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.
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List: Coconut oil cold-pressed, Olive oil extra-virgin, avocado oil, nutritional yeast, dates, red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, bone broth, apple cider vinegar, etc.
In the end, it’s all about developing a healthy strategy. A lot of planning and budget goes on when I plan each meal. Besides, I really take my health seriously because feeling my best is key to function at my fittest. So instead of relying on the restaurant to feed me the essential nutrients, I stock my pantry with the right goods.
CONCLUSION
Before I close, let me share a fun tip. Read the labels! You would be surprised at the unhealthy ingredients package in those bottles.
Now, when I consider how changing my pantry to plant-based food, I knew this post would help you.
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