These are some very helpful items I stock my pantry and fridge with. Hopefully these items will inspire you to add some new, useful foods to your pantry so that you may always have the makings of a delicious, healthy meal on hand!

Dry goods
Rice- brown short grain and white basmati, I buy these in bulk, Lundberg is great, locally grown brand
Beans and Legumes- I like to have both canned and dry beans on hand
Dry beans are nice to be able to make and eat all week, black, pinto, black eyed peas, garbanzo and spit mung beans
Canned beans- I also like having cans of various beans on hand so that I can pull together healthy, hearty meals quickly, black, pinto, cannelloni, garbanzo, kidney, for a zing of red- Eden Organics and Natural Value are brands that I like
Lentils- french and green, I buy these in bulk
Tuna- cans of tuna make a quick yummy salad or sandwich
Polenta, great for a creamy yummy cereal, great baked
Quinoa- found in the bulk section, actually an ancient seed, high in protein, gluten free
Kasha- toasted buckwheat is a warm, nutty grain that is also great for those sensitive to gluten
Rolled oats- I love tossing a handful into cookies or making a hot bowl of oatmeal
Bob’s Red Mill 8 and 10 grain hot cereal- Bob makes a stellar product, packed with flax and hemp seed, this cereal sticks to your ribs and keeps you going all morning.
Whole grain bread
Nuts- I always keep a variety of both raw and toasted nuts on hand to add to salads, stir fry, cereals and for snacks, my favorites are California almonds, cashews, walnuts and toasted pistachios
Seeds- a great source of fats and proteins, a yummy addition to salads, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame
Dried fruits- raisins, apricots, cherries
Cans of olives
Pasta- spaghetti, penne, orzo

Oils and dressings
Olive oils
Coconut oil
Ghee
Canola- for high heat frying
Red wine vinegar
Balsamic vinegar
Apple cider vinegar
Braggs Aminos
Tamari
Local, raw honey
Organic bottled lemon and lime juices kept in the fridge

Dairy- I always use organic, whole fat milk products
Milk
Plain yogurt, some of my favorite brands are Strauss (out of Marin County), Clover and Saint Beniot
Butter
Sour Cream
Creme fraiche

Herbs and spices
Sea salt, black pepper corns, cumin, cumin seed, fennel seed, black mustard seed, turmeric, coriander, cayenne, red pepper flakes, dried green herbs

Fresh herbs are the perfect foray into “growing your own”, try planting basil, thyme, rosemary, dill and parsley!

Condiments
Ketchup
Dijon mustard
Jams
Peanut butter
Sauerkraut or kim chi
Maple syrup