You may have been on Paleo or gluten-free for awhile or maybe you’re just starting out on this journey. Either way, I find that it helps to have basics stocked in your pantry and fridge so that you’re not stuck with nothing to eat and then tempted to raid your kids snack drawer for the last package of Oreos. If you take this list to the grocery store then you will always have the basics you need to put together a killer Paleo meal for yourself and/or the entire family. Note: I recommend that you look for organic versions of each of these items.
Spice Rack
One thing that’s absolutely essential for your Paleo kitchen is a well-stocked spice rack. Here are the spices that will ensure you have a tasty meal:
- Basil
- Chili powder
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Curry
- Pepper
- Sea salt (preferably Pink Himalayan)
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
- Turmeric
- Rosemary
Pantry
Please only buy canned goods if you know the cans are BPA-free. Otherwise, look for the items in glass containers.
- Almond meal (also called ground almonds or almond flour)
- Arrowroot flour (excellent substitute for cornstarch)
- Cocoa powder
- Coconut flour
- Coconut milk (full fat)
- Coconut oil, virgin organic
- Honey
- Nuts: pecans, almonds, brazil nuts (make sure they’re raw and unsalted)
- Tomatoes (a variety of crushed, diced and whole)
- Tuna, salmon, crab and other canned fish
- Vanilla extract
Refrigerator
Stock your fridge with lots of fresh veggies. On the Paleo plan, you’ll eat fruit sparingly but you’ll be eating as many vegetables as you want. Be sure to check the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists when choosing which items to buy organic.
Be sure to have a variety of frozen and fresh wild-caught fish, red meat, pork and chicken. Always look for pasture-raised and grass-fed local meats and hopefully they will be organic and hormone free.
Keep eggs in your fridge – organic, hormone free and free range. It’s not Paleo to eat dairy, but since many people find that difficult to adhere to I would advise you to try to stick to whey protein powder, organic Greek yogurt and cheeses that have been aged over 120 days. Use these items sparingly if at all.
With these items in your kitchen you’ll never be stuck for meal options again . . . Paleo, gluten-free or just plain healthy eating. The article above was submitted by Leanne Ely the Dinner Diva. Go check her out over on her blog.
