April 5, 2017
Those common household items that are always a part of your pantry or fridge; usually things we eat on the regular that add bulk to our meals or are used often in cooking such as
rice or other types of grains, oil, dairy products such as butter, milk, and cheese, potatoes, onions, eggs, bread. The list could go on and is probably more extensive for some and may vary based on ethnicity, but we all have those things we can’t live without. The question is…are your ‘staples’ healthy?
Ask yourself:
- What do you always have in your pantry?
- Have you thought twice about the foods you consume on the regular?
- Are they good for you?
Here are 5 foods I ALWAYS have on hand:
Garlic – This superfood is immune boosting, adds so much flavour, and can be used in various ways such as stir-frys, marinades, and healing elixirs. It can be consumed cooked or raw and it never lets me down!
Ginger – A good anti-inflammatory, I most commonly throw this into my stir-frys, curries or soups but it is also wonderful for a cup of tea which is great for digestion and nausea. It keeps in the fridge for quite awhile too.
Leafy Greens – I cannot go a day without them, whether its a salad or packed into my smoothie they are part of my daily life. There is so much variety so I like to switch it up with kale, spinach, arugula, romaine, swiss chard. They are packed with vitamins such as A, K and C don’t hesitate to indulge!
Nuts & Seeds – These guys became part of my life more so than ever when I decided to stay away from meat. Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans, Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin seeds – I throw them in salads, oatmeal, desserts, or as a butter in smoothies and on toast, or as my milk alternative. They are packed with nutrients such as protein, omega-3s, vitamins and minerals.
Avocados – One of my all time favourites, packed with healthy fats, and potassium which are just a few benefits of eating avocados. Actually a fruit, it can be eaten in many ways. I have known people to eat it with sugar, but prefer it with some salt and pepper myself. Its fantastic on toast, salads, smoothies, in replacement of mayo and lets not forget guacamole!
Now I know all of these may not necessarily be considered staples, but they are regularly eaten in my home and I don’t question there goodness. It is important to remember it is all about balance and a wholesome diet is about including a variety of nutrients from a variety of sources. I’m happy knowing the things I do consume on the regular are good for me.
