Healthy Pantry Staples for Busy Families
By Sara Butler
Trying to eat healthy with a hectic schedule can feel a lot like trying to climb Mount Everest in a pair of roller skates. You may go to the gym faithfully, but at the end of a jam-packed day, you lack the motivation it takes to prepare a healthy meal for your family. No worries! If you can keep a few simple staples in your pantry, then you can easily whip up a delicious, nutritious, and healthy dinner for your family!
Eggs
Eggs are incredibly versatile and a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and lean protein. Plus, they’re easy to make and inexpensive. They’ll keep in your refrigerator for about a month, so experiment with quick and easy egg dishes for your family. There’s nothing wrong with a fried egg on whole grain toast with a little avocado for dinner!
Potatoes
If you keep your potatoes someplace cool and dark, they’ll keep for up to three months. That makes them a great thing to have on hand when you don’t feel like cooking. Potatoes of all kinds are easy to make and good for you. You can even prep potatoes ahead of time to have ready for dinner -- as long as you eat them a day or two after cooking.
Salsa
Keep a jar of salsa in your pantry when you need to add some flavor to what you’re cooking. It’s a great staple that can be added to salads, soups, casseroles, simple egg dishes, or on top of baked chicken. It even pairs well with fish and will keep in your pantry for months!
Greek Yogurt
Having some plain Greek yogurt on hand is a great way to have protein, probiotics, calcium, and healthy fat at your fingertips. It’s good on its own with some honey and berries or added to your dishes in place of sour cream or mayonnaise. You can also put it in smoothies!
Frozen Berries
Speaking of smoothies, frozen berries are a wonderful addition to your freezer for just that! Fresh fruit can often go to waste in a busy household, but frozen fruit is just as good for you and can keep in your freezer for months on end. You can add it to oatmeal, yogurt, or even eat them on their own for a snack or quick breakfast.
Keeping these staples in your pantry will get you and your family off on the right foot for health and nutrition!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Mill, S.C.