Prepare for your weight loss battle by arming yourself with these healthy pantry staples.
Healthy Cooking Oils
Though not all cooking oils are created equal, Keri suggests having an array of nutritious options at the ready, explaining, “I usually have a variety and will reach for different ones depending on what I’m cooking.” Her top picks are fat-blasting coconut oil, nutrient-rich olive oil, and heart-healthy avocado oil. “Just a little bit adds a lot of flavor, and it has been shown that fat can help you burn fat,” she says.
If you’re looking to lose weight, using the appropriate cooking oil is much better for your belly (and overall health) than reaching for margarine, “light” butter, or anything else that typically contains hydrogenated oils or trans fats.
Ghee
Speaking of butter, Keri often uses ghee—a class of clarified butter that originated from India—in place of the kitchen staple on toast, a baked potato, or vegetables. “I really just love the flavor, but it also has higher levels of some vitamins and beneficial fatty acids,” she says. Indeed, ghee is high in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D, and is considered a healthy fat that can aid weight loss efforts.
Fiber-Rich Snack Bars
As someone who is “always on the go” Keri says simple snacks are a must because they will “keep you from grabbing unhealthy chemical laden snacks when you’re starving and in a pinch.” Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that healthy snacking throughout the day actually contributes to weight loss.
Though Keri is partial to Pure Organic’s new Fruit and Nut Bars because of their real, whole, unprocessed, and organic ingredients, those attempting to lose weight should look for an option with more protein, such as KIND Sweet Cayenne BBQ, or Luna Protein Mint Chocolate Chip.
Versatile Spices
In addition to having a myriad of cooking oils on hand, Keri is also a fan of a crowded spice rack. “When it comes to spices, I always use a variety. They add so much flavor (often in place of extra salt) and have so many health benefits, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties,” she says.
Spices that can kick start weight loss include cinnamon, which has been shown to keep blood sugar in check, garlic, which garlic is a low-calorie way to pump up the flavor profile of your meals, and appetite-diminishing cayenne. In fact, in a cayenne-based study researchers found that men who ate spicy appetizers consumed 200 fewer calories at later meals than those who did not.
Though Keri also insists “no pantry is complete without quality salt,” use the spicy staple in moderation if you want to lose weight since it can lead to unnecessary bloating.
Nutritious Nuts
When it comes to nuts, Keri readily admits she “can’t choose just one kind,” though some favorites include walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, and pecans. “These are all key for adding protein and fats (and crunch!) to salads and grain bowls and are perfect for fast snacking,” she explains. “They’re packed with antioxidants and protein, and the fat content means they’re satiating, too.”
As you may have guessed, nuts’ satiating quality (which also comes from the waistline-friendly fiber they contain) is part of what makes them a perfect weight loss accomplice, so long as they are consumed in moderation. In fact, scientists estimated that replacing low-calorie foods with two servings of fatty, high-calorie (and high-fiber) nuts a week could save ninety thousand lives in the United States each year, according to a 2015 Open Heart study
Protein-Packed Grains
“Ancient grains like farro and quinoa are staples in my pantry,” Keri says. “They add bulk and healthy heartiness to any meal, are protein-dense, and are so versatile for essentially any occasion.”
While not all grains are created equal, farro and quinoa are both excellent allies in the battle of the belly bulge. In addition to edging out quinoa in the protein department, farro is also packed with satiating fiber (which is great for weight loss) and is a potent source of magnesium, energizing iron, and zinc, an essential mineral that’s been shown to rev sex drive and aid protein synthesis and wound healing. Not to be outdone, quinoa is also known for being loaded with protein and rich with essential amino acids and fiber. “If you store them properly they’ll keep forever,” Keri adds of the fat-blasting grains.
Tea
“Tea is the perfect option to suit a multitude of flavor cravings from sweet to earthy and savory, and is the perfect night cap to let yourself know, ‘the kitchen is closed,’” Keri explains. In addition to being a low-calorie alternative to often dairy and sugar-laden coffee, certain types of tea have actually been shown to stimulate weight loss. The fat-burning properties of green tea, for example, literally blast away flab, while yerba maté tea, a Keri favorite, promotes weight loss thanks to its ability to turn up your body’s calorie burning mechanism and improve insulin sensitivity
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