Cooking Ingredients To Keep Handy

Oils and Vinegars.  Healthy oils, like olive and avocado oil, are essential for whipping up a quick dressing, as a cooking oil for stir frying, and to drizzle over veggies before roasting. You can also use oil in place of butter in recipes to cut back on saturated fat, a heart healthy swap! Vinegars are another way to add flavor to a dish. Add a dash of red-wine vinegar to cooked beans or drizzle balsamic vinegar over tomato and mozzarella!

Frozen Fruits & Veggies. Frozen fruits and veggies are a convenient way to enjoy produce, without worrying about it going bad. We love using frozen fruits in smoothies and as a topping for warm oatmeal. Frozen veggies are helpful when you need a quick side dish for dinner! Aim for the varieties without added sugar or salt if possible.

Lean proteins. Proteins are another key component to building a balanced meal. Utilize your fridge, freezer, and even your pantry to have options available. Options include skinless chicken, ground beef or turkey (at least 90% lean), salmon fillets, or canned tuna—great for an easy tuna salad lunch!

With these items and pantry staples listed above, you're able to toss together meals in minutes!