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Health and Wellness

20 Foods I Always Have In My Kitchen To Have A Yummy AND Healthy Diet

My fridge, freezer, and pantry essentials.

Julia Licursi

Feb 01, 2021

UCLA

20 Foods I Always Have In My Kitchen To Have A Yummy AND Healthy Diet

https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-sliced-fruits-in-white-ceramic-bowl-1092730/

1. Rolled Oats

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Rolled oats can sit in the pantry for a while and provide the base for an infinite amount of overnight oat recipes.

2. Frozen Fruits

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I always have frozen fruit in my freezer for smoothies because frozen will last longer than fresh and is cheaper!

3. Protein Powder

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Protein Powder is a great addition to smoothies, shakes, yogurt, and healthy desserts to ensure you reach your daily protein intake.

4. Cauliflower

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Cauliflower has definitely become a trendy vegetable and for good reason. It's so versatile—you can roast it, mash it, make it into rice, grill it, or even use it in baked goods.

5. Zucchini

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Zucchini is another staple vegetable for me. I love cutting them super thin and putting them in the air fryer to make zucchini chips!

6. Nonfat Yogurt

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Yogurt is loaded with protein and has so many health benefits in addition to being a super versatile fridge staple. You can add different toppings, use it for healthy baking, or add it into a smoothie.

7. Nut Butter

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Nut butters are so yummy and protein-packed. Spread it on a rice cake, add it to apples or bananas, or use in a dessert!

8. Plant-Based Milk

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A plant-based milk is a healthier, lower calorie option that tastes delicious and is a great addition to cereal, smoothies, or baked goods.

9. Berries

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I always have berries in my fridge because they're super low calorie fruits that provide so much sweetness.

10. Spinach

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For someone who definitely does not get enough iron, I love adding spinach to smoothies, eggs, or as the base of a salad.

11. Lentils

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Lentils are packed with protein and are so filling. I use them for soup, salads, or simply as a side dish.

12. Chia Seeds

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Chia seeds are a healthy fat that is packed with fiber. I love adding them to my overnight oats and acai bowls.

13. Honey

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I always have honey in my pantry as a healthier sweetener to use in basically any sweet or savory recipe.

14. Sweet Potatoes

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Sweet potatoes are so delicious, so versatile, and provide a lot of Vitamin A. I love making sweet potato toast in the toaster or air frying healthy sweet potato fries.

15. Eggs

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Eggs have a lot of protein, keep you full for hours, and can be eaten any time of day with so many different ingredients.

16. Popcorn

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Popcorn is my go-to snack because it's delicious and I can eat a ton of it without too many calories adding up (make sure to get butter/oil free popcorn for a healthier option).

17. Green Tea

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Every morning I have at least 2 cups of green tea. One cup has about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee and provides so many health benefits. It's especially good for your immune system and metabolism.

18. Quinoa

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Quinoa is a great low-carb grain option that can accompany so many meals and hold so many different flavors.

19. Ground Chicken or Turkey

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Ground chicken and turkey are lean meats that are so easy to make (especially for a college student like me who usually dreads cooking meat in my small apartment kitchen). I love making ground chicken tacos and ground turkey chili.

20. Dark Chocolate

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Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants and satisfies late night chocolate cravings, so I make sure to always have a bar in my pantry.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

20 Foods I Always Have In My Kitchen To Have A Yummy AND Healthy Diet

My fridge, freezer, and pantry essentials.

In This Article:

1. Rolled Oats

2. Frozen Fruits

3. Protein Powder

4. Cauliflower

5. Zucchini

6. Nonfat Yogurt

7. Nut Butter

8. Plant-Based Milk

9. Berries

10. Spinach

11. Lentils

12. Chia Seeds

13. Honey

14. Sweet Potatoes

15. Eggs

16. Popcorn

17. Green Tea

18. Quinoa

19. Ground Chicken or Turkey

20. Dark Chocolate

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

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6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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