There are plenty of packaged foods which are nutrient-dense, vitamin rich, high in fiber, and contain less sodium, fat and sugar that you can store in the pantry.
Canned or dried peas, beans and lentils are well balanced foods for easy-to-make meals. These foods contain protein, fiber, and carbohydrate.
Tomatoes contain plenty of antioxidant vitamins like Vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins are important to help fight diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Use tomatoes as a base for simple pasta, rice, casseroles and soup dishes.
Fruit can be kept canned or dried for easy use in recipes like muffins, pancakes and smoothies. Vitamins are plentiful in fruits and important to everyday health.
Fish, canned, packed in water, and preferably low-sodium for better health and lower calories. Purchasing fish, packed in oil can easily “pack extra calories” from all the extra added fat. Fish is lean and a good protein choice for quick meals and simple additions to pasta dishes.
Whole grain foods are easy to store and contain plenty of fiber. The average adult needs 25-30 grams of fiber a day, and whole grains are good foods to increase fiber intake. Check out the fiber content of quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole grain breads, and sweet potatoes. Work in just enough servings to keep your calories in check, and plan whole grains with your fruit and vegetable intake to consume enough fiber every day.
