I had no intention of doing this today. I got home late last night from a trip, have loads of laundry, and have yet to shower. But, after grocery shopping I realized how badly my pantry needed a clean out. So, I started pulling everything out. Once you do that, there’s no turning back.

I have a New Year’s Resolution every year to build up more of a food storage. It’s hard. I start off OK, then I use some and don’t replenish it as quickly as I should. But, I try. It’s also somewhat difficult because I try to get the best quality I can afford. So, my pantry is pretty bare right now. But, I do have a clean slate to get adding back to it.

Here it is…

For snacks: I offer my kids fruits and veggies first (many in the fridge). But, I have very active kids. We run from school to dance, to football, to gymnastics, etc. I like to have grab-and-go options in addition. That’s what’s in the green bucket. Our snack bucket is full of organic granola bars, apple sauce, nitrite-free beef sticks, and fruit leather.

oats. whole wheat pastry flour. white, whole wheat flour. sugar in the raw.

gum. long grain + wild rice. popcorn. quinoa. psyllium husk.

I LOVE to bake. I stick to ingredients that make up a PFPF Healthy Treat - I very, very rarely have regular sugar or white flour in my house, unless its for something special or a big crowd (just ask my neighbors when they come to borrow a cup of sugar).

A variety of flours: quinoa, oat, almond. Sweeteners: organic stevia (I rarely use) cocoa powder, pure maple syrup, raw honey, coconut sugar. Nuts + dried fruit. Oils: avocado, EVOO, Coconut and a bunch of vinegars in the back.

Below: whole grain crackers, Newman’s Own “Oreos” - I let my daughter pick a treat for being our “Dinner Star” for the week. Dried apples, veggie chips

The best whey protein: Tera’s Whey - I have individual packets, Active Recovery, & Chocolate Organic Whey.

Tea: I love Tazo.

Below: Here’s my confession: My kids, although I feel that they are really great eaters and love many types of food - they really LOVE Mac and Cheese. I only buy Annies (or similar brands) and aim to save it for the Babysitters (or when I’m super lazy). I always add a protein + a veggie.

So, there you have it! My clean pantry. I don’t purchase fake food. Or, treats very often. My kids are exposed to it at school, friends, and grandparents homes. I truly believe that my home is the only place I have absolute control over, so I aim to make it a healthy environment.

Other staples: beans, Quinoa pasta, jarred tomato sauce (no sugar), canned pumpkin.

Check out some of my favorite recipes in our POWER 25 challenge and the REAL Guide