by Elizabeth Kelly

Created on: May 02, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

If you think the key to dieting is an empty pantry, you're mistaken. The "you can't eat it if it's not there" philosophy has caused many women to strip their cupboards as bare as Old Mother Hubbard's. Unfortunately, it's only one step from "There's nothing to eat" to "Hello, Domino's?"

The successful way to weight loss lies in stocking up on healthful non-perishables that are always there when you need them. After-work dinner? Late night munchies? Your pantry has it covered. Fill up your shelves with these items, and you'll never go hungry again.

Grab-and-Go Snacks

*Pretzels

Rods, sticks or twists: whichever shape you choose, they're all fat free. Keeping a bag of pretzels on hand guarantees that you won't turn to fatty chips when you need a crunchy, salty treat.

*Rice Cakes

Only as boring as the person who's topping them, rice cakes are a low-cal template for your wildest food creations. Try fat free cream cheese and a swirl of strawberry jam, or slather them with a savory low fat hummus spread.

*Canned Fruit

If you're dieting, you should be eating fruit every day for the fiber and nutrient combo. Keep a supply in the pantry and you'll have an emergency stock for when you run low (or those bananas look sketchy before their time).

*Pickles

What to do when you've eaten all your meals and snacks for the day and you still feel a little peckish? Pick a pickle! From 5-15 calories each, the pickle is a salty, savory and crunchy solution that won't blow all your hard work.

Mealtime Solutions

*Water-Packed Tuna

Loaded with minerals and low in calories and fat, tuna is a dieter's perfect protein. Whip up a quick salad with low fat mayo, celery and onions, or stuff it into a tomato or pita half for a satisfying lunch.

*Canned Beans

Keeping beans on hand means you'll never lack fiber, which is part of the well-oiled metabolism machine. Whir up a zesty dip with garbanzos (easy on the olive oil), or add a cup of black beans and some spicy seasonings to your dinner salad.

*Pasta Nests

When is it safe to eat pasta on a diet? When it's pre-portioned at a reasonable size! Pasta nests are already neatly packed into servings you can drop into boiling water. Top with veggies and sauce, and you have a real dinner with no fear of overindulging on refills.

*High-Impact Gourmet Goods

Keep an eye out for pantry items that add a lot of flavor for a few calories, and you'll never have a boring meal again. Well-drained artichokes, capers, olives or roasted red peppers can make your healthy microwave entree appealing. Use just a little, and the payoff will be huge.

Whatever your weakness is, make sure it's represented in your pantry. Got a sweet tooth? Keep sugar-free pudding mix in the cupboard. A sucker for a savory pick-me-up? Load up on low-sodium microwaveable soups. Stock up when it's sale time, and the next time you feel the need for feed, the perfect solution will be as close as your well-filled shelves.

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