In my challenge groups, the #1 reason for abandoning a health/fitness plan is time. If you get home late from work and you're hungry, you're probably tempted to order take-out. Meal prepping is best, but if you stock your pantry with healthy staples to back up fresh fruits, veggies, and protein, you'll be able to make healthy meals and snacks in a short amount of time! Check out these ingredients you can keep on hand, and try out some of the suggested uses.
| Canned beans. Kidney, black, garbanzo, navy—canned beans are a quick way to sneak more fiber and protein into any meal. Look for BPA-free cans and choose no- or low-sodium brands when possible. (Or at least rinse well before eating.) Raw almonds. Packed with healthy fats - these nuts contain 129 calories per ounce. They make perfect on-the-go snacks you can keep in your purse, work bag, gym bag, car, etc (AND your pantry). Dried fruit. Toss dried plums, apricots, and raisins into oatmeal, rice pilafs, and on salads for a dose of filling fiber and antioxidants. Be careful - dried fruit takes up less space than fresh fruit, so pay attention to the serving size. Also, make sure to avoid dried fruits with added sugar. |  |
Canned beans. Kidney, black, garbanzo, navy—canned beans are a quick way to sneak more fiber and protein into any meal. Look for BPA-free cans and choose no- or low-sodium brands when possible. (Or at least rinse well before eating.)
Raw almonds. Packed with healthy fats - these nuts contain 129 calories per ounce. They make perfect on-the-go snacks you can keep in your purse, work bag, gym bag, car, etc (AND your pantry).
Dried fruit. Toss dried plums, apricots, and raisins into oatmeal, rice pilafs, and on salads for a dose of filling fiber and antioxidants. Be careful - dried fruit takes up less space than fresh fruit, so pay attention to the serving size. Also, make sure to avoid dried fruits with added sugar.
Easy-to-cook grains. Precooked brown rice needs only a minute in the microwave and quinoa cooks in 15 minutes. Swapping traditional refined grains for these whole grains can help you lead a healthier life!
Nut butter. For the most wholesome option, look for almond, cashew or peanut butter made with only nuts and maybe salt (added sugar and oil isn't necessary for taste or texture). Blend into smoothies, oatmeal, and sauces.
Spaghetti sauce. Bursting with nutrients, use tomato sauce in a pinch to simmer with chicken and mix with whole grains. Be sure to look for no-sugar-added varieties.
Salsa. Spooned over fish, chicken, eggs or steamed veggies, salsa is a less processed alternative to jarred pasta sauce that supplies a ton of flavor for few calories.
Reduced-sodium broth. Whether chicken, vegetable or beef, broth adds loads of flavor for few calories. One tip: cut nearly 120 calories by sautéing veggies in two tablespoons of broth versus one tablespoon of oil.
Spices. Flavor your food for zero calories! Among others, black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon all have fat-blocking potential.
Lentils. With fiber and protein, legumes digest slowly—so you'll stay fuller, longer and won't fall victim to blood sugar spikes and dips that drive hunger. Buy precooked lentils to toss with salads, rice pilafs and soups.
Hot sauce. A low-calorie way to add a hit of spice to dishes. Hot peppers can also temporarily raise your metabolism so you can burn a few extra calories at dinner.
Sea salt. With minimal processing, sea salt packs trace minerals and a crunchier texture. Though both sea salt and table salt contain about the same amount of sodium, when used in moderation (a sprinkle is all you really need) sea salt can punch up the flavor of foods.
Raw almonds. Packed with healthy fats - these nuts contain 129 calories per ounce. They make perfect on-the-go snacks you can keep in your purse, work bag, gym bag, car, etc (AND your pantry).
Dried fruit. Toss dried plums, apricots, and raisins into oatmeal, rice pilafs, and on salads for a dose of filling fiber and antioxidants. Be careful - dried fruit takes up less space than fresh fruit, so pay attention to the serving size. Also, make sure to avoid dried fruits with added sugar.
Easy-to-cook grains. Precooked brown rice needs only a minute in the microwave and quinoa cooks in 15 minutes. Swapping traditional refined grains for these whole grains can help you lead a healthier life!
Nut butter. For the most wholesome option, look for almond, cashew or peanut butter made with only nuts and maybe salt (added sugar and oil isn't necessary for taste or texture). Blend into smoothies, oatmeal, and sauces.
Spaghetti sauce. Bursting with nutrients, use tomato sauce in a pinch to simmer with chicken and mix with whole grains. Be sure to look for no-sugar-added varieties.
Salsa. Spooned over fish, chicken, eggs or steamed veggies, salsa is a less processed alternative to jarred pasta sauce that supplies a ton of flavor for few calories.
Reduced-sodium broth. Whether chicken, vegetable or beef, broth adds loads of flavor for few calories. One tip: cut nearly 120 calories by sautéing veggies in two tablespoons of broth versus one tablespoon of oil.
Spices. Flavor your food for zero calories! Among others, black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon all have fat-blocking potential.
Lentils. With fiber and protein, legumes digest slowly—so you'll stay fuller, longer and won't fall victim to blood sugar spikes and dips that drive hunger. Buy precooked lentils to toss with salads, rice pilafs and soups.
Hot sauce. A low-calorie way to add a hit of spice to dishes. Hot peppers can also temporarily raise your metabolism so you can burn a few extra calories at dinner.
Sea salt. With minimal processing, sea salt packs trace minerals and a crunchier texture. Though both sea salt and table salt contain about the same amount of sodium, when used in moderation (a sprinkle is all you really need) sea salt can punch up the flavor of foods.
What is your go-to quick meal when you're pressed for time?
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