We’ve all heard of spring cleaning but how about a little fall organization? As the season turns and the skies become grey, we will all undoubtedly find ourselves inside more often. Tucked up in a blanket and binging netflix. That’s why it’s the perfect time to go through our cupboards and pantries to organize and restock. Restock with all the ingredients that make being a nutrient hunter easy and our bodies happy instead of binging on things that add to the battle against winter bulge. 

Once you’ve decluttered all the things that aren’t doing you any favors, check out the list we put together for you below of good-to-have staple items in your pantry.  Keep in mind that the list is inspiration based on guidelines from the nutrient hunter’s compass and not mandatory, i.e., just three of the different oils listed is a good start! As mentioned everything on the list can be found in the Nutrient Hunter Compass. They are foods that we generally eat too little of and that research recommends we eat more of (becoming a nutrient hunter is also good for the environment, because as luck would have it, food that’s good for us is generally also is more gentle on the planet). Here you will find everything from our favorite spices and flour varieties to legumes, nuts and seeds that go on repeat in our homes.

For those who want to exclude gluten – quinoa, sorghum and buckwheat are good alternatives. We have included three different types of quinoa in the list below because as nutrient hunters we like both variety and color. Since they have basically the same cooking time, you can mix them in a jar to keep in your pantry and make a habit of always cooking all three colors at the same time.

Another recommendation in our latest book is to make your own spice mixes. In the Nutrient Hunter there are several different mixes. Everything from homemade taco seasoning to a curry mix that you can use on the spot. Spices are packed with antioxidants, especially polyphenols. A few seconds of mixing one large batch saves a lot of time in the long run of doing it over and over.

If you have some of the seeds and nuts on our list, you could make a granola (healthier and better than in the store too!).  Making your own granola is easier than you think and making a double batch doesn’t require any more effort but saves on time. If you think granola is too advanced, you can make it even easier – combine natural nuts, seeds, grains and spices and pour into a glass jar and you have your own muesli in three minutes! P.S. Did you know that just 30 grams of walnuts per day can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease! 

Nutrient Hunter’s Pantry Staples:

Cereals and Grains:
Buckwheat
Oat groats
Sorghum
Rolled oats
Quinoa
Rye berries

Legumes:
Chickpeas
Black beans
Red lentils
Beluga lentils

Flour:
Buckwheat flour
Sorghum flour
Chickpea flour

Nuts and seeds:
Chia seeds
Whole flax seeds
Natural nuts, all varieties
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Almonds

Pasta alternatives:
Bean pastas
Kelp noodles

Herbs and Seasonings:
Basil
Cayenne pepper
Chili
Turmeric
Ginger
Ceylon Cinnamon
Cardamom
Cloves
Oregano
Cumin
Black pepper
Thyme
Raw cocoa
Sea salt
Honey
Vegetable broth

Oils and Vinegars:
Tahini (we like the light best)
Tamari soy
Apple Cider Vinegar (raw unfiltered)
Cold pressed canola oil
Cold pressed olive oil
Cold pressed virgin coconut oil

Other:
Crushed tomatoes
Light or medium roasted coffee (extra important that it is organic)
Matcha powder
Dark chocolate (at least 70%)
Herbal tea (e.g. chamomile, yerba mate, peppermint)
Coconut flakes
Oat milk and cream (to coffee and cooking)