18 pantry essentials for weight loss you NEED to grab in your next shop
When you are about to embark on our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, it’s important to stock your kitchen full of healthy pantry essentials. That way, you can quickly whip up a healthy meal or snack and avoid calling up the local takeaway!
1. Nut spread or 100 per cent peanut, peanut butters
These are a great to add to a snack or even in a Healthy Mummy Smoothie. Although they are high in fat they are also high in protein which will make you feel full for longer and avoid the sugar slump in the afternoon.
Adding back a luxury into your healthy eating plan is a way to be able to sustain the weight loss journey for longer.
2. Nuts
Have nuts on hand for a little snack. Perfect to pop into a little container and keep in your handbag if you are out. They are also nice to pop on top of porridge or homemade muesli or into muffins. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, the list is endless!
3. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a great substitute for baking if you have no eggs or if your family is allergic to eggs. They are also a great source of protein and minerals and omega 3 fatty acids.
They are also delicious added into a Healthy Mummy Smoothie or spooned on top of yoghurt for an added crunch.
4. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds or pepitas are a yummy addition to your nut trail mix as a snack, in muffins, in stir fries or on top of yoghurt. The added hit of protein will sustain your energy for longer.
5. Eggs
Eggs are so versatile especially as a main healthy meal such as a frittata or as poached eggs for breakfast. They are also a perfect snack. Hard boil some the night before to keep in the fridge for when the snack attacks approach.
6. Almond meal
This is a great addition to baking to substitute out some flour in the recipe. It helps increase the protein content and reduced the carbohydrate content of the baked good. The protein will change the density and chewiness of the baked good but will also keep you feeling fuller for longer.
7. Olive oil
Oil type is very personal but oils are great for cooking and also for the use in baking. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and good fats and makes a simple but delicious salad dressing with balsamic vinegar.
8. Legumes
Legumes are not only a great source of protein and fibre, but also a good source of non-haem iron. They are also a very versatile addition to a main meal whether as the base for a stew or soup, but also for a vegetarian patty.
9. Canned chickpeas
Chickpeas are a legume as well. They are a great addition to a pasta sauce, a salad or as the base for a yummy dip like hummus. Hummus is perfect as a weight loss snack to enjoy with some chopped carrots and celery.
10. Spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika and pepper
Spices can make a meal 10 times more exciting and give it a real flavour boost. These options are not only delicious, but they also have no added calories or salt.
11. Cinnamon
Use this lovely flavour to add to ‘sweet’ items without the sugar. You can add it on top of yoghurt, in baked goods, into a Healthy Mummy Smoothie or on top of some apple with peanut butter.
12. Green tea and herbal teas
Instead of having a coffee, try a herbal caffeine free tea.
13. Desiccated coconut
Great for smoothies, snacks such as nut trail mix, on muesli, in homemade desserts, in yoghurt, the works. Choose sulphite free products if you are sensitive to this additive.
14. Brown rice or wild rice
A great addition to main meals. It is higher in fibre then regular brown rice which will be beneficial to your digestion (especially important when pregnant or breastfeeding) and will also keep you feeling fuller for longer.
15. Quinoa
Although it is actually a seed, quinoa is a great substitute for rice or carbohydrate side item. It is high in protein and this superfood can also be used as a gluten free alternative for porridge.
16. Wholemeal couscous
A very quick option for a side meal as you just boiling water and set aside for a few minutes.
17. Canned tuna or salmon in spring water or oil
High in protein, omega 3 fatty acids and flavour, both canned fish options are an easy lunch, snack or dinner option. Keep one at work if you schedule is crazy or even in your hand bag if you are on the run.
18.Plant-based milks
Milks such as soy, rice, oat and almond are great alternatives to regular dairy cow milk. Not only are they delicious in Healthy Mummy Smoothies, they are great alternative to use in baking or for brekky on cereals.
There you have it – 18 pantry essentials for weight loss you NEED to grab in your next shop!
