pop nourish

Coconut milk as a pantry staple? Whaaat? Although canned coconut milk probably seems more like a rare occasion item versus a staple item, I think once you are done with this blog post you will find yourself picking up a few cans next time you are at the grocery store. Let me tell you why I use canned coconut milk, the benefits,  my favorite recipe using this ingredient, and what to look for when you are buying canned coconut milk.

Oats are definitely my favorite and most used of all the pantry staples. Oats are considered to be one of the healthiest grains out there. Since oats are packed full of fiber it is a perfect ingredient to start your day with, leaving you feeling full for a long time and nourished. Oats are also a good source of carbohydrates, they are low fat, sugar and sodium free, and they provide you with many important vitamins and minerals. They are also very versatile depending on your personal preferences!

Keen-wah. It seems like quinoa has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it is all for good reason! Quinoa is naturally gluten free, a great source of protein, high in fiber, and an incredibly versatile ingredient. Quinoa is also one of the few plant based foods that are known as being a complete protein. This means that it contains all 9 essential amino acids- these essential amino acids are necessary for energy production, tissue repair, and nutrient absorption among other things. These 9 essential amino acids can't be produced by our bodies, so we must eat foods they are found in so that we can reap the benefits.