So, there are some definite staples we keep in our house. Since we have been trying to eliminate most processed foods and gluten our eyes have been opened to different foods and recipes, but there are some basics we always keep on hand. It is awesome to find nutrient dense foods that taste great too! Here are some things we love and are good for you!
Sweet potatoes
Oh I could eat these bad boys every day. A and I normally just eat them baked or fake baked (in the microwave) with nothing on them. Though they are super yummy as fries, too. The sweetness can also really help cravings if you have a sweet tooth!
Just one sweet potato can contain 30-90% of your daily vitamin A needs and they are very high in beta-carotene… though you will need to eat a little fat in your meal along with your sweet potato in order to receive all the beta-carotene benefits they have to offer.
Bananas
You’d never guess they belong to the same family as the lily and the orchid, eh?
Bananas are high in potassium and soluble fiber. They are great to grab as a quick snack and are good for everyone from babies to adults.
And they are the ORGINAL pre-packaged food. 🙂
Green Tea
There have been MANY studies on green tea. Green tea drinkers appear to have lower risk for a wide range of diseases, from simple bacterial or viral infections to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis. Green tea’s antioxidants, called catechins, scavenge for free radicals. Because of the way it is processed, green tea’s unique catechins, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are more concentrated than other types of teas.
I try to drink 2 cups a day! It can definitely be an acquired taste, but now I can drink it without any sugar or sweeteners.
Spinach
This leafy green is low in calories and super high in vitamins. Just one cup has more than your daily requirements of vitamins K and A, 40% of your needed magnesium, and almost all your manganese and folate! High in fiber, calcium and protein… I could go on and on! Full of cancer fighting anti-oxidants and it helps fight inflammation. I like spinach salads, tossing a couple handfuls in a smoothie or using it in a stir-fry!
What are some of your favorite go-to pantry items?
I always make baked sweet potato fries! and I put garlic powder on them! AWESOME! AND I LOVE YOUR BLOG!
Sweet Peppers
Key nutrients (1 medium red pepper): 37 calories, 2.5 g fiber, 253% DV vitamin C, 75% DV vitamin A, 14% DV folate, 9% DV vitamin E
Health benefits: The A, C, and E vitamins found in red peppers all act as antioxidants and may protect the skin from damaging UV light and keep the immune system functioning well. While red peppers contain the most nutrients overall, yellow and green bell peppers are also excellent sources of vitamin C.
Quick-prep ideas: To make kabobs, cut red, yellow, and green pepper and onion into 1-inch squares. Next, shell large shrimp and place onto bamboo skewers (presoak the skewers in water to prevent burning), alternating peppers, onion and shrimp. Then brush the food on the skewers with a mixture of barbecue sauce and pineapple juice and grill for 5 to 10 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through.
Sounds yummy!!
Such wonderful foods! In our house, we keep plenty of dark chocolate on hand also.
Oh I LOVE dark chocolate.