Having a well-stocked pantry and fridge is like having money in your health’s savings account! If you have it on hand, you are more likely to eat it. This pantry checklist will help you stay stocked with nourishing staples that can be used to make many meals and snacks.
Some of these items may be new to you. Remember that change is a process, so pace yourself! Set a goal to gradually replace certain items with healthier substitutes, such as:
| Replacement Item | Healthier Substitute |
| High fructose corn syrup | Honey, agave |
| Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils | olive, avocado, grapeseed oils |
| Foods with dyes (i.e. red#40) | colorful spices, like turmeric |
| Flavor enhancers (i.e. MSG) | garlic, lemon juice |
| Artificial sweeteners | Honey, agave, stevia |
| Potato chips | Popcorn, Chickpea Snack Mix |
| Cookies | Dark Chocolate, No Cook Date Balls |
| Granola Bars | Trail Mix with Nuts, Dried Fruit, Homemade Energy Bars |
| White rice | Brown rice or quinoa |
| Store-bought salad dressing | White wine vinegar, lemon juice & olive oil |
| Instant oatmeal | Steel-cut oatmeal |
| Soda, sweet tea | Green tea, unsweet tea, WATER |
You may want to add some of these items to your pantry, gradually and depending on your taste. Don’t think you have to add them all at once–that would be quite expensive! Print out a copy of this list and take it on your grocery shopping trips!
However, in the coming weeks, please don’t be afraid to try new things. Consider this an adventure for your taste buds! Some of these “staples” are used in our BYG Recipe Library. Remember, the road to healthier living begins with choosing the right foods!
