Tips for Stocking Your Shelves

It's easy to get frustrated choosing what to make for dinner. Your day has been busy. The time to decide is now at hand. Most likely, a look in your pantry will determine your meal.

A stocked pantry will make it easier to prepare and serve a healthy meal with the least amount of effort. Quick meals can be just as nutritious as those that require lengthy preparation time. Basically, it's all dependent on what foods or staples you have and how much time you have for preparation.

We have listed some suggestions for stocking your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator, which can make your meal preparation a pleasure rather than a stressful situation.

Keep in dry storage

• Beans, dried and canned
• Bouillon, chicken and beef
• Breads, whole grain and enriched
• Crackers
• Flour, enriched and whole grain
• Fruits canned in juice
• Herbs and spices, dried onions
• Honey
• Oils, vegetable and olive
• Onions
• Pasta in a variety of shapes and sizes
• Potatoes
• Rice, quick cooking, white and brown
• Sauces, barbecue, soy, catsup, spaghetti
• Sugar, white and brown
• Tomatoes, whole and sauce, canned
• Tuna and salmon, water packed

• Bagels, pita bread
• Boneless chicken breasts
• Fish fillets
• Frozen vegetables, fruits and fruit juices
• Lean beef, ground or roast
• Pizza crust

• Canned breadsticks
• Canned pizza dough
• Citrus juice, orange or grapefruit
• Cottage cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh fruits in season
• Lemons
• Milk, low-fat
• Salad dressings, light or low-fat
• Salsa
• Vegetables, carrots, celery, lettuce, green pepper, tomatoes
• Yogurt