In order to be successful with eating real food consistently, you need to properly stock your pantry, fridge and freezer with the right foods.
Why do I consider the following foods as “essential”? According to Dictionary.com, an essential item is something that is “absolutely necessary or indispensable”. Therefore, my list contains things that I either always have on hand because I use them frequently or that I deem necessary for quick-cooking meals (which help to ensure success).
Below are the main categories of my pantry, fridge and freezer essentials. For a specific list of items that I purchase within these categories, consult my Personal Shopping List. Please consider all items listed to be organic.
Pantry Essentials Checklist
Real food success relies on an amply stocked pantry. By having the right fats to keep your hunger satisfied to having quick-cooking, wild-caught, BPA-free canned fish, you are sure to always stay on track with your real food goals.
| √ | Category | Example |
| Beverages | Bulletproof Coffee, Spring Water | |
| Carbs | Jasmine Rice, Root Vegetables, Squashes | |
| Fats | Avocados, Bulletproof Brain Octane, Bulletproof Grass-Fed Ghee | |
| Fermented Foods | Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg’s ACV) and more | |
| Fruits | Non-Refrigerated Fruits like Organic Bananas and Tomatoes (if you aren’t sensitive to night shades) | |
| Protein | Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen, Wild-Caught, BPA-Free Canned Fish like Sardines and Salmon | |
| Spices / Baking | Himalayan Sea Salt, Natural Sweeteners | |
| Vegetables | Non-Refrigerated Vegetables such as ripened Avocados, Garlic, Onions |
Freezer Essentials Checklist
Although the Freezer categories may be few, my freezer is FULLY stocked at all times. Since I am only able to get a store like Whole Foods only once a week, I rely greatly on my freezer to be continuously stocked with a variety of berries for smoothies, numerous kinds of vegetables and a large stock of proteins such as grass-fed beef, salmon and liver.
| √ | Category | Example |
| Beverages | – | |
| Carbs | (See Miscellaneous) | |
| Fats | – | |
| Fermented Foods | – | |
| Fruits | Frozen, Organic Berries | |
| Protein | Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon, Grass-Fed Beef Liver and more | |
| Spices / Baking | – | |
| Vegetables | Organic, Frozen Vegetables | |
| Miscellaneous | Individually Wrapped, Pre-Cooked Soups, Broths, Protein, Vegetables and Carbs. A few servings of leftovers are a must-have for quick dinners in a pinch. Always be prepared. |
Fridge Essentials Checklist
Whenever possible, local, fresh, organic proteins and produce are your best bet. In order to ensure that I am always able to have real food meal for lunch and dinner, I batch-cook proteins in advance.
| √ | Category | Example |
| Beverages | Spring Water and more | |
| Carbs | Pre-Washed/Chopped Squashes and Root Vegetables, Pre-Cooked Jasmine Rice | |
| Fats | Avocados (stored in fridge until ready to ripen), Grass-Fed Butter and more | |
| Fermented Foods | Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg’s ACV), Kimchi and more | |
| Fruits | Fresh, Organic Berries | |
| Protein | Grass-Fed Beef, Organic/Pastured Chicken & Eggs and more | |
| Spices / Baking | Coconut Aminos, Fresh Herbs | |
| Vegetables | Fresh, Organic Vegetables such as Broccoli | |
| Miscellaneous | Batch Cooking Soups, Broths, Protein, Vegetables and Carbs are a must-have for quick dinners in a pinch. |
…Stock Your Kitchen with Essential Supplies
Now that your pantry and refrigerator are in order, it’s time to focus on your kitchen essentials. It took me some time to figure out the specific tools that are necessary in my real food kitchen. Find out which kitchen tools I think are essential: Favorite Kitchen Tools for Real Food Success.
