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Pantry “MUST HAVES” for Fast, Easy & Healthy Meals

November 27th, 2012

Geri Zatcoff, M.S.Ed., M.S., C.N.S

(Download PDF version)

Here is a list of the things I keep on hand so that I can create easy and delicious meals in a flash. You will find most of these things in my pantry, fridge or freezer on any given day. You can’t get creative without the right tools and it makes using leftovers a breeze.

Depending on your individual biochemistry and food tolerances, you may need to avoid some of the following foods. This is a comprehensive list for apparently healthy and normal weight individuals. Adjust the list according to your needs.

Vinegars: Balsamic, rice, red wine, apple cider, champagne

Wine:  red & white (never buy cooking wine)

Low-sodium Soy or Teriyaki, Tamari or Braggs Aminos (only use real fermented soy sauce)

Organic Chicken or Vegetable broth

Lemons & limes (Fresh or juice)

Olives:  green & black (jar)

Red pepper flakes

Fresh garlic; Fresh ginger

Black pepper corns and a pepper mill

Grey Sea salt, Kosher salt,  Capers

Dijon mustard

Salsa

Coconut milk (can)

Bread crumbs (make your own and keep in the freezer; if  using Panko, make sure it’s organic)

Tomatoes: whole (plum); diced; crushed; Sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil)

Artichoke hearts (canned or frozen)

Roasted red peppers (jar)

Jalapeno peppers (fresh or canned)

Organic Chicken sausage (freezer)

Canned Fish: Tuna (chunk light, in water, low-sodium);  Alaskan Salmon; Sardines; Anchovies; Caviar

Dried fruit: raisins, apricots,  cranberries (use sparingly)

Beans (canned): black, red, white

Legumes: lentils (dried); chick peas (dried or canned)

Oils: olive for salads & light sautéing; peanut & coconut for frying; grapeseed for salads; sesame and walnut for dressings

Whole grains: brown rice (basmati), millet, quinoa, buckwheat, kamut; oatmeal

Bread: Ezekiel sprouted grain bread; sour dough rye; whole or multi-grain w/no added sugar

Fresh Veggies:  carrots, celery, onions, flat-leaf parsley

Frozen Veggies: peas, spinach, broccoli florets; green beans

Nuts & Seeds (raw & unsalted): almonds (whole & slivered), pignoli (pine), walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower (keep in freezer)

Powdered spices: garlic, cumin, rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, curry (hot or sweet), nutmeg, ginger, white pepper

ZATCOFF WELLNESS • Westport, CT • Tel 203-454-5560 • Fax: 203-454-5569 Geri Zatcoff, copyright © 2005, all rights reserved.

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A Westport Staple. Geri is known for her work at the Westport Weston Family Y (YMCA). Although she resigned her position as Senior Director of Fitness in May 2006 after twelve and a half years, she continues to focus on her wellness consulting business in Fairfield County.

Nutrition Counts. There is no condition or affliction that cannot be helped by good nutrition. As a Clinical Nutritionist, Geri will teach you about the foods you should eat and those to avoid in order to support your unique physiology and promote good health. In the realm of weight loss, Geri specializes in all aspects of weight management including weight loss and weight loss resistance (took out the stuff about weight loss surgery). As a recovering compulsive and binge-eater, Geri understands the deep psychological and emotional aspects to these disorders and is uniquely qualified to help others experiencing this challenge... Read more


Zatcoff Wellness
90 Main Street
Westport, CT 06880
203-454-5560
Fax: 203-454-5569

email:geri@zatcoffwellness.com