Stocking the pantry of your first home is a great opportunity to ensure you have ingredients on hand for healthy meals. Moving is often expensive, but you don't have to settle for eating ramen noodles to stretch your budget. Make sure your shopping list covers all the food groups, from whole grains to low-fat protein. A mix of pantry staples, frozen foods and fresh produce makes it easy to cook nutritious meals and break in your new kitchen.
Pantry
Stock up on inexpensive legumes for protein and fiber. Lentils store well, as does brown rice, and canned beans are a good basis for many types of quick meals. Use oats for morning cereal and healthy baked goods. Purchase canned tomatoes to make your own sauce for dried pasta. Canned tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and a staple for sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. Keep heart-healthy olive oil for cooking and salad dressing, and a variety of herbs and spices to change the flavor profile and jazz up even the simplest meals.
Freezer
Stocking healthy convenience foods in the freezer doesn't have to mean microwave meals. Frozen fruits and vegetables are ideal when fresh produce is out of season. Berries and peaches are perfect for smoothies, and vegetables go straight from the freezer to a steamer for cooking. Frozen juice concentrates are less expensive than cartons, but look for low-sugar versions. Raw shrimp and frozen fish fillets thaw and cook up quickly for a variety of meals.
Refrigerator
Keep in mind the perishable nature of refrigerated food, and how easy it is to lose things in the back corners, and only buy what you need for a few days. You can't go wrong with fresh fruit and vegetables no matter what you choose. Milk, yogurt and cheese are dairy staples. Purchase soy versions if you're allergic or vegan. Eggs are a versatile staple for everything from scrambled eggs in the morning to quiche for dinner. Tailor your condiments to your tastes. Low-sodium soy sauce, pesto, mustard and hot sauce are versatile choices.
Tips
Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth is almost mandatory for soups, stews and braising. Buy shelf-stable cartons and freeze leftover broth. Buying meat in bulk is generally less expensive than smaller packages. Repackage into smaller or individual servings and store in the freezer. Purchase a whole chicken and roast it, then freeze the carcass to make soup later. Cheese and unsalted nuts purchased in bulk also store well in the freezer. Keep just a few treats on hand, such as low-fat ice cream or dark chocolate, to prevent fierce cravings and impulse purchases.
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