Today continues with Part II of radish recs stocking and shopping. Grocery shopping and stocking your pantry with a health-minded focus should not be overwhelming or expensive. By slowly transitioning unhealthy routine habits into new ones, you can make permanent sustainable changes that will, in turn, have longitudinal repercussions.
Grains
Stock up on whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, whole grain couscous, millet, amaranth, and bulgur wheat. Whole grains are a great pantry staple since they are rich in fiber, are complex carbohydrates, and serve as a vegetarian source of protein. Grains are great to make and buy in bulk since you can easily mix with vegetables, add to a salad, soak overnight for breakfast, or serve under a lean protein for a quick and complete meal. If you like a to make sandwiches, wraps or tacos, select brands that are 100% whole grain and do not contain additives, refined white flour, shelf stabilizers, and sweeteners. My "go-to" brand is Food for Life Ezekiel sprouted products.
Spices
Keep spices and fresh herbs on deck. Fresh herbs add dimension, flavor, and vibrancy to a dish. I try to have cilantro, parsley, or microgreens on hand. Dried spices are the ideal way to boost the flavor of a dish. When possible, swap in spices where salt is called for to help cut back on sodium without inhibiting flavor. Spices also give you a hearty dose of antioxidants and boost more than just the taste of a dish. Radish favorites include, za'atar, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, chili flakes, and black pepper.
Beans
Stock up on dried or canned beans. Beans are an economical vegetarian source of protein and fiber that can be tossed in salads, pureed into dips, or turned into soups and stews. If you got to go for the can, opt for BPA-free and sodium-free products.
Nuts for Nuts and seeds
Fill your shelves with nuts, seeds, and all natural sugar-free and oil-free nut butters. Nutrient and calorically dense, raw or roasted, nuts serve as a great source of vegan protein and fiber. Chia seeds and ground flax seeds add omega 3 mileage to whatever you opt to sprinkle them on. Add nuts and seeds to your breakfast oats or yogurt, garnish a salad or eat raw as a snack. Buy in bulk and save money over time. You can get super "crunchy and make your own nut milk or nut butter too.
Snack attack !
We all get the munches and mindful snacking is part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Have clean and all natural options on hand to avoid making poor choices out of hunger. Fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, nuts, brown rice cakes, Mary's Gone Crackers, and salt-free popcorn are always good options. Check out this post for snack ideas.
Condiments
Condiments can make or break your meal or snack. Sugar-free mustard, preservative-free sugar-free hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown rice vinegar, reduced sodium tamari, and white balsamic vinegar are all great to have on hand to make simple dressings or spice things up.
Oils
Every pantry needs oils for cooking and finishing. Try to avoid refined oils. Coconut oil, olive oil, and toasted sesame oil are essential in my book.
I hope this guide helps you to shop and stock in the most health-minded manner. Happy shopping vegheads!
