Ingredients for Success: Stock the Kitchen

Fridge Essentials:

You may not want to or need to purchase ALL of the below ingredients, but here you will find a comprehensive list of foods to keep on hand for a healthy and more vibrant life. Mix it up. Some of the ingredients - especially the produce, may vary from week to week depending on your work, travel, and social schedule as well as your family's preferences.

Fresh Produce. An essential to healthier living is to eat more fruits and vegetables. A few staples include: lettuce, onions, red and green bell peppers, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, lemons, apples, oranges, and berries.

Quick produce alternatives. If you never seem to get around to washing, cutting, and eating the fresh produce you purchase, then start filling your basket with healthy “fast food.” Pre-cut and pre-washed fruits and vegetables and cut varieties are now available. A few of those convenience produce items include: cherry tomatoes, pre-sliced carrots, baby carrots, pre-rinsed lettuce, pre-sliced mushrooms, steam in the bag vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and California Blend...just to name a few.

Additional foods to stock the fridge with:

Eggs
Liquid egg whites
Nonfat Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt can be an excellent, high protein, low calorie alternative to sour cream.
1% or skim milk (if you are sensitive to milk or dairy, then use almond, rice, or soy milk)
Reduced fat cheese
1% or non-fat cottage cheese
Wholly Guacamole 100 calorie packs
Laughing Cow light cheese spread
Organic butter (unsalted)
Light whipped butter such as Brummel and Brown Yogurt Butter Spread.
Turkey or center cut bacon. For a healthier alternative buy nitrate free.
Tofu Shiritaki Noodles
Salad dressings such as: Walden Farms Balsamic Vinaigrette (or other salad dressings of choice), Annie's Gingerly Vinaigrette, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and Annie's Low Fat Raspberry Vinaigrette
100% Natural Fruit Spread
Sabra Hummus and single pack hummus
Rotisserie Chicken

Freezer Essentials:
A well-stocked freezer with vegetables, fruits, and lean meats will ensure you always have the foods on hand to whip up a healthy meal! Here are just a few recommended items to keep on hand.

Frozen vegetables such as green peas, edamame, broccoli, spinach, onions, stir fry blend, California Bend, Italian blend,
Unsweetened fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries (or a mix of all three), mango, peaches
Boneless skinless lean chicken breast
Ground turkey breast
Lean ground beef (90% or higher)
Lean stew meat (i.e. Laura's Lean)
Shrimp
Fish such as tilapia, catfish, and salmon
Garden Burger veggie patties
Applegate Farms chicken sausage