Whenever I go grocery shopping, I have a few things I always pick up.  That list usually includes a gallon of milk, some bread, fresh fruit and a few other things.  Every once in a while, though, I need to restock my pantry. 

This last time, instead of just grabbing the usual, I wanted to try and pick up some healthy food for my pantry.  As a result, I compiled a list of five “power foods” that everyone could use to pump up their pantry!

1. Canned tomatoes.  Yes, typically fresh or frozen vegetables trump their canned counterparts.  However, in the case of tomatoes, the canned version packs just as healthy a punch!  Studies have shown that lycopene is better absorbed by the body when it is from tomatoes that have already been processed (liked the canned variety).
   
   
2. Peanut butter. This spread gets a lot of press for it’s great protein-packed nutrition.  But did you know that peanut butter is also loaded with other great minerals like zinc, selenium and antioxidants?  Additional, peanut butter goes with almost anything: apples, whole-wheat toast, pretzels and a whole lot more!
   
   
3. Whole grain crackers.   These crackers offer an easy way to fit whole grains into your lifestyle. For a protein packed snack, add a little peanut butter to your crackers for a satisfying mid-day treat.
   
   
4. Chunk tuna.  Low in fat and loaded with omega-3s, tuna makes a great panty power-food addition!  The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings of fish per week.  Chunk tuna offers a wide variety of preparation options, making it easier to hit that number each week.
   
   
5. Old-fashioned oatmeal.  Avoid packets of oatmeal and reach for the big tubes.  Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast food – filled with complex carbs that will keep you energized until lunch.  If you’re not a fan of the taste of oatmeal, toss a half cup into your morning breakfast smoothie.  You won’t even know it’s there!

Of course, with any food, it’s important to consider the nutritional benefits.  However, it’s particularly important to pay attention when picking out food for the pantry.  Many packaged and processed foods contain high levels of sodium and sugar, so be sure to look at labels when shopping for your food staples!

Do you have any other foods you think should be included in our power food pantry list?  Let me know by leaving a comment!

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