If your goal is to lose weight or to serve healthier meals to your family, it is important to appropriate stock your pantry. Many people completely clear out their pantries when starting a new health regimen. Out of sight, out of mind!

If you keep your pantry stocked with foods that will help, and not hinder, your lifestyle goals, you are more likely to achieve them. Below are some healthful pantry staples to keep on hand.

* Fiber-packed cereal

Breakfast is an important mea each day, and many enjoy fiber-packed cereal for this meal. Make sure that the cereal you choose is not too high in sugar and contains plenty of filling fiber.

Cereal makes for a viable snack option as well. Some even like to eat it for a quick and light dinner, especially on evenings they get home late.

* Peanut butter

Peanut butter is high in protein, and it's a delicious treat. It's smart to keep the reduced fat version on hand. You can top celery or apple slices with peanut butter for a nutritious and tasty treat.

* Reduced sodium chicken broth

You can do so many things with reduced sodium chicken broth, so be sure to keep plenty of cans on hand. If you steam your vegetables in it, you will add flavor to them.

You can also bake your chicken breasts in it, so as to moisten it and cook it in its own juices. Many casseroles and homemade soups call for chicken broth as well.

* Almonds

A handful of almond makes for an excellent snack or dessert. Almonds have the good kind of fats, and they also have protein. They are great to have in your pantry, and kids will enjoy them as snacks, too.

* Crystal Light packets

Part of eating healthy also involves what beverages you consume. Be sure to keep lots of Crystal Light packets on hand. These flavored powders can add lots of flavor to your water, and it's better for your kids to drink that than soda.

* Green tea

Green tea is soothing and delicious. And it's definitely good for you. Keep some on hand, as you never know when your nerves will need some calming green tea.

* Oatmeal

You can add some fruit to a hot bowl of oatmeal, giving you comfort food without all the calories. Oatmeal makes for a good meal or snack anytime.

* Soup

While canned soup is high in sodium, it is a filling and satisfying meal. And, you can choose from many varieties of soups that are relatively low in calories. Soup is a wonderful lunch on a rainy day.

* Brown rice

If you need to make a side dish with dinner, choose brown rice over white rice. Mix some broccoli or other vegetable into brown rice to make it more versatile. Or you can serve your entre on top of the rice.

These are a few of the healthful food items you can use to stock your pantry. While there are many other options as well, try to fill your pantry with things that are good for you. And it's wise to avoid keeping cookies or other foods that may trigger you to overeat.

Learn more about this author, Ann E. Smith.
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