Extreme Makeover: Pantry Edition

As promised last week, here's some help to makeover (or fill) your pantry, fridge, & freezer with healthy items. Remember, these are just suggestions. Personalize to meet your tastes, health concerns, cooking style, etc.

- http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating/the-healthy-pantry/index.html

- http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/healthy_cooking_101/shopping_cooking_guides/guide_to_stocking_your_pantry?slide=1

For those still doubting if this is truly possible, I'm also including a few more of my go-to pantry meals AND dozens of recipes. If watching your salt intake, choose your convenience foods carefully...

- Burritos: lean meat &/or sauteed veggies, whole grain tortillas, instant brown rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, salsa, low-fat sour cream, & low-fat cheese. Time-- about 15 minutes (if you multi-task... maybe a little longer if your meat isn't already cooked.)

- Southwest Tuna: canned tuna, instant brown rice, black beans, canned tomatoes with jalapenos, garlic, & white wine. I usually throw in some squash, zucchini, & bell peppers, too... Time-- about 15 minutes (if you multi-task).

- Beef Stew: lean stew meat, flour, black pepper, garlic powder, bay leaf, low sodium beef stock, celery, carrots, & potatoes. Cook in a crockpot for 4-8 hours (but prep time is only about 10-15 minutes).

- http://www.livestrong.com/article/14905-quick-meals-from-your-pantry/

- http://www.cookinglight.com/food/quick-healthy/5-ingredient-pantry-recipes-00400000047368/page24.html (These 22 recipes are fancier than I normally cook for everyday meals but sound good...)

By the way, last week's picture was of my dinner. The whole meal (including the salmon from the freezer) was done in about 20 minutes. And, yes, this is my pantry.