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Health and Wellness

20 Foods I Always Have In My Kitchen To Have A Yummy AND Healthy Diet

My fridge, freezer, and pantry essentials.

Julia Licursi

Feb 01, 2021

UCLA

20 Foods I Always Have In My Kitchen To Have A Yummy AND Healthy Diet

https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-sliced-fruits-in-white-ceramic-bowl-1092730/

Having your kitchen stocked with these delicious, versatile, and healthy foods will ensure that you can prepare a super healthy homemade meal on the fly.

1. Rolled Oats

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-oats-in-clear-glass-jar-3639181/

Rolled oats can sit in the pantry for a while and provide the base for an infinite amount of overnight oat recipes.

2. Frozen Fruits

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I always have frozen fruit in my freezer for smoothies because frozen will last longer than fresh and is cheaper!

3. Protein Powder

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Protein Powder is a great addition to smoothies, shakes, yogurt, and healthy desserts to ensure you reach your daily protein intake.

4. Cauliflower

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Cauliflower has definitely become a trendy vegetable and for good reason. It's so versatile—you can roast it, mash it, make it into rice, grill it, or even use it in baked goods.

5. Zucchini

https://www.pexels.com/photo/3-zuchini-brown-wooden-surface-128420/

Zucchini is another staple vegetable for me. I love cutting them super thin and putting them in the air fryer to make zucchini chips!

6. Nonfat Yogurt

https://www.pexels.com/photo/sliced-red-strawberry-fruit-3212808/

Yogurt is loaded with protein and has so many health benefits in addition to being a super versatile fridge staple. You can add different toppings, use it for healthy baking, or add it into a smoothie.

7. Nut Butter

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Nut butters are so yummy and protein-packed. Spread it on a rice cake, add it to apples or bananas, or use in a dessert!

8. Plant-Based Milk

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A plant-based milk is a healthier, lower calorie option that tastes delicious and is a great addition to cereal, smoothies, or baked goods.

9. Berries

https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-forest-blueberries-raspberries-87818/

I always have berries in my fridge because they're super low calorie fruits that provide so much sweetness.

10. Spinach

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For someone who definitely does not get enough iron, I love adding spinach to smoothies, eggs, or as the base of a salad.

11. Lentils

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Lentils are packed with protein and are so filling. I use them for soup, salads, or simply as a side dish.

12. Chia Seeds

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Chia seeds are a healthy fat that is packed with fiber. I love adding them to my overnight oats and acai bowls.

13. Honey

https://www.pexels.com/photo/honey-on-white-bowl-33260/

I always have honey in my pantry as a healthier sweetener to use in basically any sweet or savory recipe.

14. Sweet Potatoes

https://www.pexels.com/photo/potatoes-cutting-board-wooden-cooking-89247/

Sweet potatoes are so delicious, so versatile, and provide a lot of Vitamin A. I love making sweet potato toast in the toaster or air frying healthy sweet potato fries.

15. Eggs

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-eggs-on-brown-wooden-bowl-on-beige-knit-textile-162712/

Eggs have a lot of protein, keep you full for hours, and can be eaten any time of day with so many different ingredients.

16. Popcorn

https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-popcorn-806880/

Popcorn is my go-to snack because it's delicious and I can eat a ton of it without too many calories adding up (make sure to get butter/oil free popcorn for a healthier option).

17. Green Tea

https://www.pexels.com/photo/blur-close-up-coffee-cup-cup-405238/

Every morning I have at least 2 cups of green tea. One cup has about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee and provides so many health benefits. It's especially good for your immune system and metabolism.

18. Quinoa

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Quinoa is a great low-carb grain option that can accompany so many meals and hold so many different flavors.

19. Ground Chicken or Turkey

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Ground chicken and turkey are lean meats that are so easy to make (especially for a college student like me who usually dreads cooking meat in my small apartment kitchen). I love making ground chicken tacos and ground turkey chili.

20. Dark Chocolate

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Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants and satisfies late night chocolate cravings, so I make sure to always have a bar in my pantry.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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20 Foods I Always Have In My Kitchen To Have A Yummy AND Healthy Diet

My fridge, freezer, and pantry essentials.

1. Rolled Oats

2. Frozen Fruits

3. Protein Powder

4. Cauliflower

5. Zucchini

6. Nonfat Yogurt

7. Nut Butter

8. Plant-Based Milk

9. Berries

10. Spinach

11. Lentils

12. Chia Seeds

13. Honey

14. Sweet Potatoes

15. Eggs

16. Popcorn

17. Green Tea

18. Quinoa

19. Ground Chicken or Turkey

20. Dark Chocolate

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