What's in a Dietitian's Pantry this week?

We asked the NWH Registered Dietitians to list their 5 favorite pantry staples that make preparing nutritious meals easier.  This week’s list comes from Amy Rosenfeld MS, RD, CDN.  To always have a homemade meal on the table, Amy uses healthy but convenient short-cuts to help her out.

Click here to view previous posts from other Dietitians at NWH. http://chappaqua.patch.com/groups/from-the-nwh-registered-dietitians/p/whats-in-a-dietitians-pantry_99e0a15d

1.    Nuts

Their combination of protein, fiber and heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids make them a great and satisfying snack. Be sure to keep your portion to one handful (I know it can be hard!). Also try a variety of nut butters, such as almond, cashew, sunflower or soy nut.

2.    Lentils

Very inexpensive and they make a great side to any of my favorite meals. I get them in a variety of cool colors such as red-orange, yellow and green!

3.    Dried Whole Grain

Whether it's a box of whole wheat pasta, couscous or quinoa, having a whole grain staple on hand can make dinner ready in a flash. Try mixing with beans, lentils, or edamame. Or make a leftover makeover with last night’s chicken or steak and sautéed veggies.

4.    Low-sodium Tomato Sauce

Come dinnertime, a jar of low-sodium tomato sauce can be a lifesaver. From whole wheat pasta or ravioli with beans or shrimp, easy fast tomato soup, to baked eggs in tomato sauce, the possibilities are endless!

5.    Fruit Purees

Whenever I bake, instead of using oil or butter, I mix in applesauce, prune or pumpkin purees for some extra vitamins and less calories. You can try using fruit purees as a dip for baked chicken fingers or mixed into plain Greek yogurt!

Check back next week for more pantry tips.

Sign up to receive the NWH newsletter, NWHealth, chocked full of health and wellness tips each month:  https://www.nwhconnect.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=366&tab=3