Food staples to add to your healthy diet

Throwing together a quick, nutritious meal requires a well-stocked kitchen. However, many popular healthy foods are highly perishable and must be used within a few days, causing many home cooks to burn through their food stores quickly.

Still, you can keep a number of healthy, long-lasting staples in your pantry, freezer, and fridge and use them to make nutrient-dense meals and snacks even when you’re out of your typical go-to foods.

Geeta Varma, the Ayurveda Consultant at Shree Vishwamatre Ayurveda Clinic, says, “The staple food is a rich source of carbohydrates. Also, it contains proteins. Carbohydrates are easily digestible. Staple food forms a major part of our food. It gives the feeling of satisfaction of eating without giving extra load to the digestive system. If someone is not consuming staple food, they'll not get a feeling of fullness. And if you're eating a large amount of protein diet instead of staple food, that may lead to indigestion.”

Here are 5 healthy staples that you should always have on hand and will keep you fit.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are loaded with nutrients like healthy fats, protein, fibre and also vitamins and minerals. Natural butter derived from these nuts and seeds are also long-lasting and are healthier than packaged ones. They can be used in oatmeal, yoghurt and also salads. Butters make an excellent addition to smoothies or just be had with fruits and vegetables as a snack.

Frozen Fruit & Vegetable

Fruits and vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrients. You can easily buy frozen cans of them so that they also last you a long time without compromising on the nutrient value. Frozen green peas are perfect to add to soups and cooked vegetables. Frozen berries, on the other hand, act as natural sweeteners to your breakfast smoothie or yoghurt.

Quinoa

One of the most nourishing and whole grains, quinoa is a good source of fibre, protein and Vitamin B6. It also contains more protein and iron as impaired to other grains. Best ways to eat quinoa: For convenience, prepare a batch in advance on the weekend and store it in your fridge.

Honey

Everyone loves something sweet in their diet. Honey is a natural sweetener that is also packed with a ton of goodness. It is known to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and also has antioxidant properties. Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener as well. It is rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium and manganese.

Eggs

They are one of the most versatile of foods and can be enjoyed at any time. They are rich in protein and also a ton of vitamins and minerals that you need. With being one of the most nutritionists, they are also the easiest to cook. Ready in just a few minutes, one meal with eggs can provide you with all the nutrients you need.

Stay Healthy & Fit