A Healthy Pantry Starter Kit

These are foods that we always try to keep well-stocked in our pantry. They form the basis of the way of eating that has kept our family healthy over the years. These are also the first and most important foods that I encourage my clients to incorporate into their way of eating. The combination of grains, beans, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and fruits provide the full range of nutrients we need for optimal health. Once you have incorporated these foods into your way of eating, you can continue to expand and create more variety in each category. All of the foods should be naturally and traditionally made and organic when possible– try to find stores dedicated to providing the highest quality foods.

-Brown Rice and other whole grains
-Azuki Beans, Lentils, or Chickpeas
-White, unrefined sea salt
-Barley and/or brown rice miso (at least 18 months old)
-Kombu and/or wakame seaweed
-Toasted Nori seaweed
-Umeboshi Plums and/or Olives
-Sauerkraut and/or Kimchi
-Daikon radish
-Napa Cabbage
-Dried Shiitake Mushroom
-Sesame, Pumpkin, or Sunflower Seeds
-Almonds, Walnuts, or Chestnuts
-Raisins
-Apples
-Brown rice syrup, Barley malt, or Maple syrup
-Kukicha (bancha twig) Tea, Roasted Barley Tea, or Roasted Dandelion Root Tea