When you're trying to cook toward your wellness goals, it's nice to have a stocked kitchen. But how do you know what to buy? Well, we've got you covered! Here are some of our favorite kitchen staples that will help make cooking easier and more accessible on the road to eating better:
Stocking your kitchen with wellness-friendly items will make it easier to reach your health goals.
Think about what you're trying to achieve. What's the end goal? Are you looking for more energy? A way to manage stress more effectively, or maybe even lose a few pounds? If you have a specific goal in mind, then start stocking your kitchen with items that will help get you there.
Many wellness-friendly foods are already staples of most people's grocery lists—think fresh produce, whole grains, lean protein sources like fish and grass-fed beef—but it's important not to forget about some of the other foods that can make a big difference when it comes to reaching your wellness goals.
For instance: collagen peptides. These proteins provide long-lasting energy without raising blood sugar levels as high as some other proteins might (like whey powders). They also increase satiety levels so we feel fuller longer after eating them—which means we won't need as many snacks between meals!
Oils and Condiments
You might have a few oils in your cupboard already, but it's worth stocking up on more.
Olive oil is great for sautéing and stir-frying, coconut oil is great for high-heat cooking (like frying eggs or searing meats), nut oils like walnut and hazelnut are perfect drizzled over salads and baked goods, and avocado oil is the healthiest of all—it's even recommended by the American Heart Association as an alternative to butter. If you don't use any of these regularly now, try adding them to your diet over time and see what you think!
Sauces are another essential part of every kitchen's pantry. Good quality balsamic vinegar adds depth to many dishes; red wine vinegar perks up salads; apple cider vinegar adds tanginess to soups; tahini provides creamy richness in hummus; almond butter gives smoothness when used as a spread on toast instead of peanut butter.
Beans and Grains
Beans and grains are some of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. The protein they provide can replace meat in dishes, as well as provide a more filling meal. Beans and grains also contain fiber, which helps to keep blood sugar levels stable, thus preventing spikes that lead to weight gain or low energy.
Beans are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while whole grains are high in both protein and fiber—making them perfect for keeping you full between meals without adding excess calories. And because these foods don’t need much preparation time (you just have to remember to soak them overnight), it makes sense for anyone who wants to save time during dinner prep on busy nights!
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals. They can be used as a topping for salads, soups and smoothies. Examples of nuts include almonds, cashews, pistachios (pistachio), peanuts (groundnuts), walnuts and pecans. Seeds include chia seeds (Salba seed), flaxseeds (linseed) pumpkin seeds sunflower seeds sesame seeds hemp seeds
Stock up on nuts and seeds. You can store them in the fridge or freezer to help them stay fresher for longer.
Spices, Vinegar, and Sweeteners
Having a well-stocked kitchen is the first step to making your own meals and snacks, but it’s also important to have certain pantry staples on hand. Spices, vinegar, and sweeteners are the most commonly used ingredients in wellness recipes because they can help you control your appetite and support digestion. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and turmeric are known for their ability to curb hunger naturally by improving blood sugar balance as they regulate insulin sensitivity in the body. Sweeteners like stevia or honey are also good for blood sugar control so you don’t feel like you need something sweet every time you get hungry. Vinegar is another great ingredient for supporting digestion because it helps break down food better in the gut so nutrients are absorbed sooner rather than later (which means less bloating!).
Sea Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are the essential ingredients to a well-stocked kitchen. In fact, if chefs were stranded on an island and they could only bring 3 things, one of those items would be salt! Salt and pepper can be used to add flavor to everything from meats, vegetables and even beans. If you're looking for ways to improve your overall health, these two pantry staples are a great place to start!
Salt is an important mineral that your body requires in order to function properly. It helps control blood pressure and muscle contraction while also helping maintain strong bones and preventing kidney stones. While salt can be beneficial when consumed in moderation (about 1 teaspoon per day), overconsumption can lead to elevated blood pressure which could increase the risk of heart disease or stroke later on down the road.
Pepper has been shown as an effective natural appetite suppressant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent that can help relieve joint pain caused by arthritis or other conditions such as bursitis or tendinitis. Studies have shown that people who use black pepper regularly experience higher levels of energy throughout their day because it contains small amounts of caffeine which stimulates mental alertness.
Some of my favorite salt brands:
Redmonds Real Sea Salt
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
Celtic Sea Salt
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful as you stock your kitchen with the right foods and ingredients to help you reach your wellness goals. Whether it’s finding more ways to incorporate legumes into your diet or finding new ways to use those spices we all have lying around, these tips can help create delicious meals that are healthier for both the planet and our bodies!