PantryPic #448: Red Lentil Pasta

-Look for Organic Lentil Pasta. -Should only have 1 or 2 ingredients on the label. – A great Wheat Pasta alternative!  -Use in your pasta recipes and as a great side dish.  *Be careful not to exceed your protein requirements.* (since each serving can be approx 20g of protein)

PantryPic #144: Sweet Potatoes

-Sweet Potatoes are different from Yams, and not actually even Potatoes. (May be labeled in store as Yams. The outside skin can be red, purple or brown, and the inside flesh anywhere from white to yellow to red-orange.) -Purple Sweet Potatoes contain even more antioxidants. -Do not have to be Organic if unavailable since not … Read more

PantryPic #377: Steel-Cut Oats

-Look for Organic Steel-Cut Oats (also called Irish Oats). -Should have only one ingredient.   -Lower Net Carbs and Insulin spike due to high Fiber content. -Generally do not contain Gluten, but seek out Certified Gluten-Free if needed. -Prepare according to instructions on label. (Can soak overnight, cook in pot, and/or prepare and eat cold on-the-go!) … Read more

PantryPic #040: Almonds

-Look for Raw and Unsalted (and ideally Organic). -Unfortunately can’t find truly RAW Almonds in US since they must be pasteurized using Dry Roasting or Blanching. (Unless you find at a specialty shop that holds a non-pasteurization waiver) -Be sure to eat the skin since it holds most of the beneficial antioxidants!  -Consider Soaking if you have issues digesting … Read more

PantryPic #044: Pistachios

-Organic Pistachios. -High in potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. -Can help lower blood pressure and high LDL levels. -Packed with antioxidants (the unique green and purple kernel color is a result of its lutein and anthocyanin content). -Shells are naturally a light beige color (California Pistachios are not bleached). -Pistachios from Iran … Read more

PantryPic #335: Goji Berries

-Goji Berries (aka Wolf Berries). -Look for Raw, Organic, most moist and the brightest red color available. -Incredible superfood that offers an array of anti-aging benefits. -Indigenous to an area of China where there are the most centenarians (people who live to over 100 yrs old). -An adaptogen that helps your body adapt to stress … Read more

PantryPic #043: Macadamia Nuts

-Macadamia Nuts. -Ideally Raw & Organic when possible. -Highest in healthy fats, and lowest protein and carb content of all nuts. (a key component of a Ketogenic diet) -Loaded with thiamine (vitamin B1), magnesium, and manganese. -Have been shown to optimize Cholesterol & Triglyceride levels. -Have the best Omega 3:6 ratio of 1:1 (to help avoid inflammation) … Read more

PantryPic #143: Cacao Nibs

-Organic Cacao Nibs. -Made by roasting raw cacao beans and braking them into smaller pieces to retain the most health benefits. -This superfood contains powerful flavonoids to boost your overall health. -High amounts of healthy fats, which are key to an optimal diet. -Packed with Magnesium to optimize muscle and nerve function. -Loaded with fiber … Read more

PantryPic #042: Pecans

-Look for Raw & Organic Pecans. -High in healthy fat, without excessive protein (key component of a Ketogenic diet). -Packed with over 19 vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and manganese. -Anti-inflammatory components proven to lower LDL levels and promote healthy arterial function. -One of the highest antioxidant foods. -Can be Soaked for enhanced nutrient … Read more

PantryPic #041: Walnuts

-Look for Raw and Unsalted Walnuts. (and ideally Organic). -Should be from a sealed container, and not grocery store bins. -Store in the fridge in an air-tight container to avoid going rancid. -Be sure to eat the skin since that’s where 90% of the antioxidants are!  -Consider Soaking if have issues digesting. -Ideal Raw, but … Read more