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9 Things Every Mom Needs in Her Kitchen

Takeout is tempting (especially when you haven’t showered in three days or have piles of laundry to do), but if you stock up on these healthy ingredients, you’ll be whipping up some healthy (and quick!) meals in no time. Nutrition experts Kim Altman, RD, of Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa in Miami, and Lisa Suriano, a certified nutritionist and founder of national nutrition education program Veggiecation, share their tips.
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Updated March 2, 2017
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Whole-Wheat Pasta

Ditch the white stuff and go whole-wheat — it’s packed with vitamins, minerals and tons of fiber. You can load up on some carbs without feeling too guilty. Cook a whole box of whole-wheat pasta at the beginning of the week and store it in your fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just add pasta sauce and some veggies.

Greek or Low-Fat Yogurt

Get your calcium without eating too many calories. Yogurt is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Put some granola and fruit on it to make a parfait.

Cut Raw Veggies and Fruits

Chop up a bunch of fruits and vegetables so you can have them on hand to snack on throughout the day. To save some time, you can buy precut carrots, celery and fruit at the grocery store. You can even use the cut veggies for cooking too — cut back on prep time!

Frozen Veggies

Some weeks you won’t have time to get to the store to get the fresh stuff. Frozen vegetables (packed with the same nutritional bang) with steamer bags make perfect sides.

Potatoes: Sweet and Regular

Baked potatoes can be a side or the main dish. You can bake a big batch ahead of time and put them in the fridge, or microwave them one at a time. Top a sweet potato with cottage cheese and cinnamon, or top the white potato with veggies and salsa or even vegetable soup.

Energy Bars

They really do give you energy! Stock up on Luna bars — they’re a great post-workout or afternoon snack.

Whole-Grain Cereal

Cheerios and Special K are always good to have on hand. Who doesn’t love munching on a bowl of cereal for breakfast or for a snack (and, let’s be honest, sometimes dinner)? They’re way better than the sugary stuff. If you have a sweet tooth, add some fresh fruits.

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Almonds

Almonds help the body produce milk — so they can help with breastfeeding. Mix some raisins into a bag of almonds and you’ve got a healthy trail mix snack.

Frozen Veggie or Turkey Burgers

Keep these in your fridge and you won’t be tempted to hit up McDonald’s or Burger King. Eat them with a whole-wheat bun or pita, or you can have them “naked” with just a slice of cheese and a salad.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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