How To Stock Your Pantry this Winter
Colder weather in much of the country means less fresh, local produce is available. However, that does not mean your health has to go on the back burner! Many pantry items are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Looking for shelf stable ingredients will help you build nutritious meals all winter long. Here are some ideas of what to keep on hand this winter.
Let's get started with a breakdown of staples.
We've organized our list by category to make it easier to keep track of what you have on hand. Be sure to add your family favorites to each category and omit the items that won't budge in your home.
Now that we have the staples, let's talk benefits of keeping your pantry stocked.
1. LOWER COST - Canned items are typically lower in cost than fresh versions.
2. LONGER SHELF LIFE - Canned items have a longer shelf life and are less likely to go to waste, especially compared to fresh food.
3. LARGE QUANTITIES - Canned goods can often be purchased in larger quantities meaning you can stock up when you find a sale.
4. VERSATILE - Shelf-stable items can be used in a variety of meals and snacks.
How can we build a nutritious meal with all these ingredients? It's pretty simple!
- Make sure your meals contain at least one lean protein, one carbohydrate, and one fat choice.
- Include 1-2 servings of fruits and vegetables to each meal; fresh, frozen or canned all work.
- Aim to keep sodium content should be under 140mg for snacks and under 600mg for entire meals
- At least 50% of your grains should be whole grains; batch cook these to save time.
- Utilize healthy fats such as olive oil, fatty fish, nuts and seeds, peanuts, or avocado to help keep you fuller, longer.
Looking for a simple recipe using these staples? Three Sisters Stew is sure to please!
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At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.
Have feedback or questions for our team? Email us at flikblog@compass-usa.com.