Frozen Fruit And Veggies(01 of10)
Open Image ModalDried Fruit(02 of10)
Open Image Modal"Certain dried foods are good to have on hand, like fruit and vegetables that can easily double as a salad ingredient and a portable snack option," Lee says. Packed with nutrients, these snacks are a great way to munch on fruit while on the go. However, if you are buying packaged dry fruit (as opposed to making your own), watch our for added sugar. Lee suggests drying okra, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, corn, strawberries, mango slices, pineapple slices and papaya cubes for spring snacking. (credit:shutterstock)
Keep A Herb Garden(03 of10)
Open Image ModalWith the weather getting sunnier, this means you can visit your local gardening store or grocery store and pick up a small, assorted collection of fresh herbs to grow in your home. "Fresh herbs are always a good staple to have for spring and summer because they tend to get used up more frequently this time of year as a variety of seasonal foods emerge for the spring and summer." Herbs also add a nice decorative addition to your home and can be easily placed in your living room or kitchen space for a fresh scent. (credit:Alamy)
Eggs(04 of10)
Open Image Modal"Eggs contain 23 different types of protein that the body needs for growth, repair and maintenance, and each egg contains 6 g of protein for 70 calories," Lee says. So if you're looking for the best protein to cook this spring, this is it. "Eggs are a versatile lean protein and a great staple item to have in the fridge in case you have nothing to eat."However, if you’re vegan, then a good option to have on hand is tofu, tempeh, dried lentils and beans, and seeds that you can add to your dishes at any time.
Bananas(05 of10)
Open Image ModalCheap, delicious and loaded with nutrition, bananas provide natural energy to fuel your body. "They are great especially after a workout because they provide a steady stream of carbohydrates, vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, fibre, and biotin," Lee says. Bananas are versatile in smoothies, spreads, baking, cooking, ice-cream making and even in baby food! (credit:Newscast / Alamy)
Dark Chocolate(06 of10)
Open Image ModalDark chocolate (typically 70% cacao or higher) not only tastes great, but it’s lower in sugar and cream compared to other chocolates. "It also provides a good source of polyphenols that have been shown to provide heart health benefits. Some studies have even found its benefit in weight loss," Lee notes. Dark chocolate is great to have on hand for cooking or baking, or when you're met with chocolate cravings. (credit:Leszek Kobusinski)
Garlic(07 of10)
Open Image ModalFresh garlic is best, but if you have pre-chopped or dried garlic, that works too. "Garlic allows you to add great flavour to your dishes, without the added salt, sugar or fat in cooking. Did I mention too that garlic contains a compound called allicin that has been found to be beneficial to cardiovascular health, physical and sexual vitality, cognitive function and resistance to infection?" If you’re strapped for time, opt for the pre-peeled garlic so you can get right into the food prep. Add garlic to soups, dishes, stews, sautés, marinades and stir-frys. (credit:shutterstock)
Flavoured Vinegar(08 of10)
Open Image ModalMany people opt for balsamic, but you can find other types of flavoured vinegar (e.g. blackberry, raspberry, blueberry) that can added a nice tinge of flavour to your salads and dishes. "Flavoured vinegar is versatile, typically lighter in calories, and adds great flavour and colour to your meals," Lee says. (credit:shutterstock)
Dry Oatmeal(09 of10)
Open Image ModalOatmeal contains soluble fibre that can slow digestion, and make you feel full for longer, assisting in weight maintenance, Lee says. "Oatmeal is a great go-to if you are diabetic as well because the sugars gradually breakdown during digestion and enter the bloodstream at a steady and slower rate. Having dried oatmeal means you can keep the grain for a relatively longer time in the pantry," she says. Oatmeal is also versatile in baking and cooking and it is quite a popular ingredient in homemade face masks. (credit:shutterstock)
Broth(10 of10)
Open Image ModalBroths are a great option to have in the fridge or freezer (you can use ice cube trays for freezing then use the broth cubes when you need them) because they can give your meals a quick zap of flavour. "Broths are great for soup-making, stews, chili, [it] act as a great substitute for vegetable oil when sauteing, [and adds] flavouring [to] other exotic entrees and appetizer dishes," Lee says. (credit:shutterstock)