Gina Encarnacion of GoFitJo Shares Her Healthy Pantry Staples

Introduction

Eating healthy can be challenging, but having the right ingredients on hand makes nutritious eating easier. Gina Encarnacion, founder of the healthy living blog GoFitJo, shares the pantry staples she stocks to set herself up for success.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are packed with protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients. Gina keeps items like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and nut butters on hand. “Having nuts and seeds in my pantry makes it easy to add extra nutrition to snacks, salads, oatmeal, and more,” she says.

Whole Grains

From oats to quinoa to brown rice, whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Gina stocks up on sprouted bread, brown rice cakes, and other whole grain products to incorporate into balanced meals and snacks.

Canned and Frozen Produce

In addition to fresh produce, Gina relies on frozen fruits and vegetables like spinach, blueberries, peaches, green beans, and broccoli florets for smoothies, sides, and easy meals. Canned options like tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and low-sodium beans also come in handy for soups, chilis, and plant-based protein.

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings

“Having a variety of herbs, spices, vinegars, garlic, onions, and seasoning blends allows me to add lots of flavor to dishes without excess salt or sugar,” says Gina. Some of her go-to items include cumin, basil, oregano, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and low-sodium vegetable broth.

Healthy Snacks

For satisfying snacks, Gina stocks up on popcorn kernels for air-popped popcorn, dark chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, nut butter packets, and puffed whole grain snacks. She combines these items to assemble snack boxes and homemade trail mixes for wholesome munching on-the-go.

FAQ

What are some versatile ingredients Gina keeps on hand?

Some versatile staples Gina keeps stocked are nuts, seeds, whole grains, frozen produce, herbs, spices, vinegars, garlic, and onions.

Why does Gina keep snack items like popcorn and chocolate chips?

Gina keeps healthy snacks like air-popped popcorn kernels, dark chocolate chips, nuts, and seeds to assemble wholesome, satisfying snack combinations and trail mixes.

What are some benefits of frozen produce?

Frozen produce like fruits and vegetables are nutritious, affordable options for smoothies and meals that store well for longer than fresh.

How can canned items help make nutritious eating easier?

Canned produce like pumpkin puree, low-sodium beans, and tomatoes can help make whipping up healthy soups, chilis, and plant-based meals more convenient.

Why does Gina stock vinegars and seasoning blends?

Vinegars, garlic, onions, and seasoning mixes allow Gina to add lots of flavor to her dishes without needing to use excess salt or sugar.