Getting adequate amounts of essential nutrients from food is crucial, especially when stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. We asked Barry’s New York Senior Instructor, Luke Skolkin, for his tips on how to set up your shelf-stable pantry while keeping it clean.

“In an effort to stay inside, I’m stocking up on plant-based non-perishable foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and many other nutrients. It’s easier than you think!”

Legumes

“I always make sure to have at least three stocked up in my pantry. My repeat purchases are:”

• Black beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas

“I’ll use them in everything from soups and chili to salad toppers. I love them because whether they’re canned or dry, they’re low in saturated fat and high in protein, fiber, antioxidants, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and folate. Not to mention, they have a very long shelf life.”

Grains

“Complex carbohydrates, or whole grains, are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.”

• Whole grain pasta
• Steel-cut oats
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Fortified cereals

“Add them to salads, use them as the perfect side dish, or eat them on their own, you’ll feel full and have the energy you need to organize your closet, do one of the Barry’s LIVE workouts, or run a Netflix marathon.”

Dried Fruits

“If you can’t get your hands on fresh fruits, keep dried fruits in your pantry instead! One of the best ways to get your daily servings of fiber and antioxidants, and they taste great. My favorites are:”

• Raisins
• Dates
• Figs
• Prunes

Just a heads up, dried fruits contain more sugar than fresh!

Nuts and Seeds

“Moving on to healthy fats which contain most omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.”

• Almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Brazil nut butter

“While your favorite Fuel Bar barista won’t be making you a Superfood Flex anytime soon, try recreating your own by adding some of these seeds to your post-workout smoothies:”

• Chia seeds
• Flax seeds
• Hemp seeds

“While we stay inside and cook at home more, make good choices, take care of your body, and soul, we’ll get through this together.”

“See you in the red room soon!”

Learn more about Luke, and follow him on Instagram.

Published by Barry’s in NUTRITION on April 2, 2020