Skinny RVing

The Healthy Pantry

We All Wish We Had More Kitchen Space!

Keep the following items in your RV pantry and you’ll always have something on hand to fix quick and nutritious meals.  These items are all sources of dense nutrients and they don’t take up a lot of valuable space.

FOR THE PANTRY

CANNED TUNA:  Canned tuna is a versatile protein and inexpensive.  The small cans stack nicely in shorter cabinets.  Ideas:  Tuna Lettuce Wraps, Tuna & Pasta, Tuna Cornbread Fritters, Tuna Risotto, Tuscan Pasta Salad and Low Fat Tuna Melts

BROWN RICE:  High in protein and Vitamin B, brown rice can be used in making Rice Bowls, Side Dishes, Rice Soups, Fried Rice and Cold Rice Salad to name a few.  The bag packaging is flexible and can be stuffed just about anywhere. 

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA:  Quick to fix and always ready for throwing together a Casserole, making Pasta Salad, or using as a Side Dish.

BEANS:  Canned beans are one of the most versatile items you can keep in your pantry.  They are a power house of nutrients and low in costs.  Use for Chili, Soup, Stew, Casseroles, Salads, Hummus, Bean Dip or Tacos….just to name a few!

ROLLED OATS:  Not just for breakfast!  This fiber rich grain can be used in Cookies, Granola, Meat Loaf, Muffins, and many creative ways.  They are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL:  Use this oil whenever possible when an oil is needed.  There’s a great deal of science behind its healthful properties.

REDUCED SODIUM CHICKEN, BEEF OR VEGETABLE BROTH:  Always have on hand!

DRIED FRUIT:  Great for a nutrious snack on-th-go.  Once opened, store the package in the refrigerator.

WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR:  Flour is a must in any kitchen.  Store in a plastic square or rectangular storage keeper and keep in the refrigerator after opening.

BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE:  Who says healthy can’t be tasty!  It’s good for your heart to have a small piece every day.

FOR THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER

EGGS:  Such a versatile food and necessary in baking as well as cooking.

WONTON WRAPPERS:  Won Ton wrappers are a great low calorie way to make the “ordinary” be “extraordinary”.  They can be boiled, broiled, baked, pan fried and deep fried.  Use as a snack by spinkling a little cinnamon sugar on them and bake until crispy.  Or, make wonton cups by lining them into muffin tins and baking until crisp; then fill with just about anything from taco filling to pudding.

SOUR CREAM OR GREEK YOGURT:  Necessary for so many dishes and toppings and a great source of calcium.

FROZEN VEGETABLES:  Use as a Side Dish, in Meat Pies, Soups and Casseroles. Don’t forget frozen mixed pepper strips and frozen chopped onions.

FROZEN POTATOES:  Frozen hashbrown and French Fried potatoes are a great convenience. 

FROZEN CONCENTRATED JUICES:  These small cylindrical  little tubes don’t take up much space in your freezer!

By keeping these healthful items on hand, you’ll have less temptation for that bag of potato chips or for dashing out to a fat-ridden fast food restaurant!