If you find yourself needing a little organization and some inspiration for your pantry here’s a little something I do to make meal prep easy and make sure I am including essential nutrients in my diet. Using mason jars helps me see exactly what I have in stock and reminds me to use these ingredients daily. Giving yourself visual cues is a huge advantage to making your healthy eating easier and more accessible. Keeping the healthy ingredients in arms reach and visible everyday, will make you less likely to grab the junk food hiding in the back of the pantry (which if you aren’t already, you should be making the junk food hard to reach and out of sight if it exists in your pantry!). Below are some essential ingredients I ALWAYS have in stock and use daily in my meals.

• Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are my go-to’s. These are a great snack in between meals. Nuts are healthy fats and a good source of protein which will leave you feeling satisfied after just a small handful..

• Seeds: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp hearts are a simple way to add nutrients to your smoothies, oatmeal, shakes, yogurt, or even salads. They are high in fiber and a great source of protein.

• Granola and Oatmeal: Easy, quick breakfast meals or great for adding to dishes like muffins, overnight oats, or smoothie bowls.

• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Perfect little topping to add just a little bit of sweetness. I love the crunchy flakes and instead of adding sweeteners you can try this instead!

• Salad Topper: I buy a pre-made mix from Costco (sometimes Amazon when Costco is out of stock) that has a ton of nutrients! It includes nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries. This is the perfect addition to spruce up a boring salad.

• Chick Pea Pasta: I like to use the brand Banza. It is delicious, still tastes exactly like pasta and packs a great source of fiber and protein into your dish. It is also gluten free and has fewer carbs than regular pasta.

• Brown Rice: Great carb source to include as a side to your favorite dish,. Toss it together with veggies and a protein and you have a complete meal! I love adding it to stir fry or at the bottom of a veggie packed burrito bowl!