A Paleo Pantry Stocked For Success: Building Blocks for a Better Body!
What’s in your Paleo cupboard? Whether you are an early, middle, or seasoned Paleo practitioner, you should have learned by now the importance of stocking up and planning ahead for a successful Paleo experience.
The Paleo pantry is a fascinating place. It is filled with preservative-free products that are easy to pair with others for excellent food combinations. The Paleo cupboard has the building blocks for a better body & better health. There has never been an easier or, more optimal time to make your lifestyle a Paleo lifestyle.
Where to Begin?
Begin the journey to a healthy pantry and kitchen by cleaning out the non-Paleo items. Often non-Paleo pantries are stocked with processed foods in boxes and chock full of sugars.
To determine what to get rid of, read the labels on the items in your pantry, refrigerator & freezer. If you come across items that contain grains, soy, legumes, gluten, dairy, sugar or other chemicals (normally contained in processed foods) get rid of it. To kickstart the paleo pantry be sure to keep the items that contain real & paleo-friendly ingredients. Learn how to read labels in a manner that will allow you to avoid non-paleo ingredients like; milk, soy, peanuts and wheat. Additionally, whether you are just starting paleo or renewing your commitment here’s a great link on how to avoid refined sugars, which is essential for paleo success.
Don’t forget to throw away or donate and traditional baking ingredients that you may have on hand, which include flours, sugars and baking powder. This is due to the sneaky inclusion of starches made from grains in many commercial baking products and powders. I like to keep it simple by using baking soda and/or some type of acid (e.g. lemon juice) for my baked goods.
What’s in the Paleo Pantry?
Now that you’ve successfully gotten rid of your non-paleo friendly items, let’s move on to the items you should consider picking up to restock your kitchen. The list below is a intended to get you started; it is not exhaustive. Stock your paleo pantry with these basics and refine the list further to suit your specific tastes and needs as you live your paleo life.
Welcome to Your New Paleo Pantry:
The paleo flours: Almond and Coconut
For cookies, cakes, crackers, and breads. Thicken broths and even confection your own pasta using the right flour. Don’t overdo the flours, as they pack a high-carb punch. If you’re trying to lose weight, monitor your intake carefully.
The seasonings: Sea-salt, oregano, parsley, cumin, tarragon, chives, bay leaves, coriander, saffron.
Always look for herbs that have been dried for optimal flavor. Stay away from generic powders as they may contain artificial flavors and preservatives.
The enhancers: Powdered gelatin, coconut flakes, almonds
These items thicken, crisp, and add texture to a high variety of foods. Moreover, they add on to the sum of macronutrients and micronutrients that we want to abide by, on a daily basis.
Teas: Matcha tea, a great source of antioxidants, and other natural leaves can be used at any time to make hydrating beverages, or to add flavor with high nutritional value.
Dried fruits and vegetables: Some companies have a freeze-dry method of preserving vegetables such as mushrooms, shallots, peppers, and other flavorful options. These veggies fully expand and reach natural form once they are mixed in hot broth or water.
Fruits are also available in this very form, with strawberries, blackberries and raspberries that can also expand fully in cold and hot mediums such as ice creams, cold soups, and hot tea.
Find these interesting pantry options at your local farmer’s market (always support local first) or go online for Paleo-friendly businesses who have made natural food preservation into an art form.
Olive oil and coconut oil: These staples of the Paleo diet are not only great for cooking, but also for adding and enhancing flavors into foods that are normally bland. They are also fantastic for sautéing.
Vinegar: Vinegar is a great Paleo staple, but remember that malt vinegar is off-limits. Enjoy the beautiful combination of olive oil, vinegar and oregano in meals, and you will forever forget the need for mayo or any other saucy concoction that is laden with salt and sugar.
Extracts: Ensure that they are all natural. Almond, vanilla, orange, and mint extracts (preservative-free) are the secret ingredients of some of the best dishes on earth. Food lovers know this! Almond extract makes cakes absolutely scrumptious. Vanilla extract is the perfect complement for any Paleo dessert. Mint extract is excellent for teas and other beverages.
One additional benefit of building the best Paleo pantry is how inexpensive it is! We are not asking you to get organic, or top-of-the-line brand name items. These cupboard items are found anywhere that food is sold. The fresher the experience, the better it will be. Nothing beats food that is preservative free and free of artificial “stuff”. Your body will thank you!