What foods / ingredients do you keep on hand at all times?

[Kim_in_TN]

I am really trying to stock my kitchen with healthy items, things that I can just throw together and have a pretty diabetes-friendly result! I would love a list of things that you all keep handy!

Thanks!

[Keezheekoni]

Pantry:
Sara Lee 45 calorie 100% Whole Wheat bread
Whole grain pastas and rice
Grape Nuts
Bran Chex
Quaker Original Oatmeal
Splenda
Cooking spray
Whole wheat flour
Canned tuna (packed in water) - not for me, for the family...I'm allergic
Canned refried beans
Canned fruit in its own juice
Broth (if I'm too lazy to make my own and freeze it)
Canola and Olive oils
94% fat free microwave popcorn
100 calorie snack packs of different things, mostly granola bars

Freezer:
Veggies
Berries (if they're not in season)
Ground turkey
Ground beef
Chicken breasts
Lean Pockets
Pizza rolls (for the kids, I can't stand them!)
SF Popsicles

Fridge:
1% milk (can't stand skim, farm girl here)
Fat free yogurts (I really like Dannon's Light n' Fit line)
2% milk Cheeses
Egg substitute
Deli ham, roast beef, turkey breast
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Light salad dressings and spritzers
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray
Celery
Grapes (doesn't matter the season we always have them)
Apples
Navel Oranges
SF Jell-O snacks (pudding and gelatin)
LF Whole Wheat Tortillas

Um, I can't think of anything else off the top of my head. It's a start though? I have 5 kids so I *always* have junk food around. I just ignore it, especially now that I'm on Weight Watchers... in fact I don't even like their junk anymore...

[soso]

eggs
whipping cream
lots of veg and fruits that I can tolerate
nuts (if I could eat them)
cheese
sf jello
splenda
butter
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
good mustard
hellmans mayo
lemon juice
tea
milk for tea
low carb bread in freezer
lots of salad
home made soup in freezer
homemade meatballs and marinated cooked chicken strips in freezer
cottage cheese

[notme]

Bagged spinach
Bagged romaine lettuce
tomatoes
avacados
parmesan cheese
kirkland (Costco) pre-cooked sliced chicken
raw almonds
balsamic vinegar
olive oil
apples
oranges (hanging on the tree in the yard) :T
Roberts American Pirates Booty (white cheddar)
sugar-free jello
Fat free Cool Whip
eggs
olives
Rooibos tea and peppermint tea

[chris724]

Cashews
Lettuce
Italian Dressing
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Carrots
Dill Dip
Broccoli
Non-imported Brie
Cream Cheese
Refried Beans
Cholula Brand Hot Sauce
Eggs
Bacon
Filet Mignon
Bryers Low Carb Fudge Bars
Russell Stovers Sugar Free Chocolates

[matingara]

ham
salami
eggs
low carb cordial (drink mix)
nuts (pecans, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, almonds (mixed))
salad (lettuce mix, radishes, onion, cabbage, raw broccoli, raw cauli)
very good olive oil (australian virgin)
very good red wine vinegar (Maille (France))
a batch of "Ricky" (Rick Stein's vinaigrette recipe(to die for))
garlic
grey poupon mustard
cheese (various)
fresh berries (in season - which is now. blackberries)
good/very good red wine (evening treat - and good for you)
frozen broad beans (fava beans) (i am addicted to these)

:)

[princesslinda]

Eggs
Bacon
Various Cheeses
Chicken
Gr. Sirloin
Pork tenderloin
Hood Calorie-Countdown low carb chocolate milk
various diet sodas
bottled water and s/f add-ins
bagged salads
green and red peppers and onions

apples and oranges

Kashi Go lean Protein cereal
EAS Carbadvantedge protein shakes
S. beach Cereal bars

pork rinds
nuts (usu. pistachios, walnuts, almonds)

dried beans, all varieties
canned beans, all varieties
long-cooking brown rice
Dreamfield's pasta
SPlenda
Pam cooking spray
Extra-Virgin Olive oil
Olives
Pickles

s/f pudding, s/f jello, Breyer's low-carb ice cream, s/f banana popsicles
bagged frozen veggies (ready to steam)

Mission Brand low-carb tortillas
Regular salsa
Refried beans

All kinds of spices

Nature's own double-fiber bread

Bag of Dove Dark chocolates stashed in freezer

[Jan B]

Hey, this is fun!!

Jar of Glucose tablets
Quaker Oatmeal in huge canister
Splenda
Cinnamon
Variety of caffeine-free herbal teas
cans of Tuna, Salmon
Dried beans - lots
Dried Cherries
Bananas
Plums
Soups
Gluten free pastas
Canned vegetables
Cranberry/Walnut vinagarette dressing
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
Red wine vinegar

Fridge:
Ocean Spray Diet Cranberry & Grape juices
Smuckers Simply Fruit
Ezekiel 4:9 bread (freezer section at store)
Flax Meal (to sprinkle on oatmeal & salads)
OJ, Pepsi (husband's, but also for my safety)
Shredded Mozzarella cheese
Bags of spinach
Red onion
Carrots, cabbage
Eggs
Red peppers
Broccoli

Freezer:
Edamames (soy beans - yum)
Bags of frozen black-eyed peas
Okra
Other mixed vegetables of all types
Ground turkey
Fish -- salmon
Steaks (husbands)

That's about it . . .

[Gabby123]

I checked the sugar count last time I looked at chocolate soy milk.It was 19 g of sugar I can't believe some diabetics drink it. I guess on insulin you could but I don't think I would on oral meds.

[princesslinda]

I checked the sugar count last time I looked at chocolate soy milk.It was 19 g of sugar I can't believe some diabetics drink it. I guess on insulin you could but I don't think I would on oral meds.

That's why I really like the "Hood Calorie Countdown" Chocolate milk....1 cup has 5 gm fat, 5 carbs, 3 sugars 1 fiber and 90 calories...its sweetened with splenda and tastes really good! I've never tried the soy milk.

[Evermont]

I've never tried the soy milk.

I was never interested in even trying soy milk but a friend's daughter can't drink regular milk so he gets it. He said that it's not bad. I decided to switch from 2% to organic plain soy milk. My daughter, a nutritional consultant, and I compared the nutrition labels and soy milk wins all around. I have it with my cereal about 3 times per week now. I like it just fine. I plan to start experimenting with it in cooking too. Another friend of mine suggested making it at home. He says it doesn't last more than a couple days. The store bought stuff lasts for weeks. Hmm - what could that mean?

[Kim_in_TN]

Thank you for all of the suggestions! I would love to keep in fresh veggies and fruits, but I cannot get mine to last long enough without them becoming brown and soggy! I think I am just going to have to buy them the day I plan on eating them.

Also, I LOVE chocolate milk and am always looking for a brand that I can enjoy! I've never seen the one that was mentioned. Boo hoo!!!

Evermont, one of the things I miss most is eating cold cereals! I used to have them late at night for a snack! Of course I drowned them in extra sugar too! *bad girl* Oh well, it's one thing that I have completely given up, so that's good I suppose!

[princesslinda]

Kim, the chocolate milk I mentioned is available at Kroger's, Food City and Walmart in my area. I had never noticed it before until a friend told me about it.

Also, if you have trouble keep fresh veggies, just use frozen ones....they are still full of nutrients as they've not been cooked.

[shabbie]

onions
cauliflower
any seasonal veggies
banana
eggs
baked beans
soya milk
tinned tuna
tinned tomatoes
pasta (just in case of emergencies/pmt)
basmati rice (also in case of emergencies/pmt)

all the usual herbs/spices/stock cubes and cooking oils

[HelenM]

If varies but :
storecupboard
tinned tomato/ tom. puree/harissa/pesto
low fat mayonnaisel/low fat vinaigrette/
red wine vinegar ,balsamic vinegar
olive oil/rapeseed oil
cankeo chocolate powder (reduced fat/low sugar)
oatmeal
wholemeal, buckwheat, white flour/cornflour
spices, soy, mustards and other sauces
various soups
76% dark chocolate
Basmati +wild rice mix
defatted stock concentrate
puy lentils/ kidney beans
pineapple in natural juice
olives/gherkins capers
glucose + choc biscuits for hypos

garlic/onion/spring onion/leeks
parsley (other herbs in garden)
small new potatoes
pineapple at this time of year, strawberies/rasberries in summer
kiwi fruit
eggs

Fridge
sprouts/cauliflower/brocolli/courgette (depending on whats available)
tomatoes/ mixed letttuce/cucumber/peppers
low fat camembert/parmesan/feta
half and very low fat creme fraiche (use for sauces but v low fat on own curdles)
half fat milk
low salt lardons/serrano type ham
butter (rarely used but don't like alternatives)
Fridge or freezer
chicken breast/turkey escalopes/pork filet/
fish such as salmon /filet de limonde (like small plaice)
frozen berries

red and white wine/brandy/kirsch for cooking and drinking:)

[susique333]

This is basically MY diet items. I cook a little differenly for the family.
Coffee (I keep several canisters for fear I'll run out!)
half and half creamer
butter
bagged tea
avacados
black and green olives, fresh if available
bagged spinich & salad
raw carrots
green and red peppers
cucumbers
celery
radishes
onions
cream cheese (to spread on ham slices with green onion, or as a dip for Pork rinds.)
deli ham
ground beef in various forms, patties, bulk, etc
Chicken
fresh salmon
Pork Rinds
cheese, cheese and more cheese in all forms
canned chicken broth to make quick chicken soup.
Crystal lite
Real Lemon (I make lemon water all day to drink)
Splenda
eggs (I make an omlette almost every morning.
bacon/sausage patties
I love fruit but cant eat much of it as it causes severe BS spikes.


My meals are basically meat and veggies

[Evermont]

raw spinach, romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce, red cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, red/vadalia/green onion, fresh garlic, avocado, celery, tomatoes, artichokes, eggplant, red/green/yellow/orange/purple bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, habanero peppers, poblano peppers, chipotle peppers, ancho peppers, other assorted peppers, leeks, shallots, bamboo, watercress, seaweed

blueberries, assorted varieties of apples/pears, navel oranges, grapefruit, cherries

porcini/portobella/sh1take mushrooms

gloden flax seeds, brown flax seeds, raw walnuts, raw almonds, raw pine nuts, hemp seeds, organic no-sugar peanut butter

canned: new potatoes, garbonzo beans, lima beans, green chilies, tomato paste, tomato soup, green pea soup, fat free refried beans, corn, peas, artichoke hearts, black olives, kalamata olives, green olives

low-carb wraps, whole wheat Total, hemp granola,

extra sharp cheddar, 75% fat free cheddar, sage derby, blueberry Stilton, havarti dill, swiss, goat cheese, feta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, veggie slices (non dairy cheese), egg beaters, eggs, non-fat plain yogurt, organic plain soy milk, non-fat cottage cheese, butter, tofu, vegetarian jalapeno-cheddar hotdogs, vegetarian breakfast sausage links, vegetarian Italian sausage, grillers, hummus, whole wheat spinach linguine, dried navy/pinto/kidney/adzuki/other beans, basmati rice, steel cut oats, purple barley, red/green lentils

no-salt salt substitute, garlic pepper, whole pepper corns, chipotle powder, maple habanero pepper, thyme, cinnamon, low sodium vegetable stock, powdered vegetable stock mix, Onion soup mix, taco seasoning, hot red salsa, hot green salsa, raw agave nectar, raw honey, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar

all-fruit lime popsicles, dove dark chocolates, Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia Lowfat frozen yogurt

red wine, dark beer, rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey, Kahlua, Sambuca, Everclear

Generally, I prefer fresh, local, organic foods.

[Jan B]

You can learn a LOT about people this way!!!! I got a few good ideas and had a few cringes. Some of these lists don't look too healthy to me . . . my arteries even hurt. Some look like the struggle w/diabetes is huge and others look like eating healthy is fun! I love you all.

[susique333]

You can learn a LOT about people this way!!!! I got a few good ideas and had a few cringes. Some of these lists don't look too healthy to me . . . my arteries even hurt. Some look like the struggle w/diabetes is huge and others look like eating healthy is fun! I love you all.


Is it the meat in peoples diet that makes you cringe? Since going low carb, even with the rise in meat & cheese consumption my cholesterol is now finally normal! Theres a notion that high circulating insulin levels can contribute to high cholesterol and for me that certainly was true. I especially like to see the diets in Canada, and in Europe. I love different foods!

[Alice]

Jan...I love that glucose tabs are first on your list! I'm probably not the only one that keeps them in my "spice" lazy susan in the pantry!!

It helps when you stay out of the middle isles at the grocery store...focusing instead on the produce, meat & dairy depts...that's an old Weight Watchers trick.

[Jan B]

Is it the meat in peoples diet that makes you cringe? Since going low carb, even with the rise in meat & cheese consumption my cholesterol is now finally normal! Theres a notion that high circulating insulin levels can contribute to high cholesterol and for me that certainly was true. I especially like to see the diets in Canada, and in Europe. I love different foods!

You caught me Susique! I have learned sooooo much about Type 2 since joining this forum. I'd prefer to have what I have truthfully. I've always had low cholesterol and never liked much meat. I love cheese but keep it to a minimal amount. I have heart disease that my doc blames on the diabetes. Balance is the key to life, and I'll admit I have a hard time with balance -- I go overboard on what I think is healthy, and I may need a thump on the head! I eat low carb, but with spinach, broccoli, greens, not meats & cheeses! I'm still thinking dairy is not healthy in large amounts.

When I see lots of sugarfree items, it gives me the impression people feel deprived. Many of those sugarfree things have almost as many carbs as regular things (not sodas of course).

I love a variety of "ethnic" foods -- hummus, yummy. I even want to try that Australian vegemite. Sushi, yum . . . but I can take insulin.

Sometimes I think I'm like my baby brother . . . he wanted to give his girlfriend pretty flowers, so he put them in the freezer, thinking they would be save even better than if he's only put them in the refrigerator! He was about 14 then.

[Alice]

I seem to buy a few more "carbs" than the rest of you posting these lists! Crackers (for wine/cheese night)...chocolate (well, just because)...lots of dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese)...Kashi bars...love them. Bread for my 1/2 sandwiches and toast.

[Jan B]

I seem to buy a few more "carbs" than the rest of you posting these lists! Crackers (for wine/cheese night)...chocolate (well, just because)...lots of dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese)...Kashi bars...love them. Bread for my 1/2 sandwiches and toast.

Alice, carbs are good for us! I'm glad this low-carb craze has died down. Just about everything low-carb is high-fat! I try to go low-protein because of a kidney scare a few years back (and I'm silly and don't like eating animals). I also do low-fat. Carbs are the majority of my diet -- I just try to use more complex carbs than simple ones. And since I can't eat just one chocolate, I avoid them altogether!

[matingara]

Alice, carbs are good for us! I'm glad this low-carb craze has died down. Just about everything low-carb is high-fat! I try to go low-protein because of a kidney scare a few years back (and I'm silly and don't like eating animals). I also do low-fat. Carbs are the majority of my diet -- I just try to use more complex carbs than simple ones. And since I can't eat just one chocolate, I avoid them altogether!

well. i am of the opinion that the jury is still out on this. what makes you so sure that carbs are good for you? what makes you think that fat and protein are bad for you?

Twelve months ago i would have agreed with this statement. now, i am almost completely in disagreement.

BUT, i am still open-minded.

-- Joel.

[matingara]

bagged tea


NEVER!!! tea must be loose. bagged tea never tastes as good as loose tea!

(IMHO)

:D :D :D

-- Joel.

[Jan B]

well. i am of the opinion that the jury is still out on this. what makes you so sure that carbs are good for you? what makes you think that fat and protein are bad for you?

Twelve months ago i would have agreed with this statement. now, i am almost completely in disagreement.

BUT, i am still open-minded.

-- Joel.

Since I'm Type 1 . . . I might have more carbs than a type 2. Carbs include fruit, vegetables, grains . . . it makes no sense to avoid those natural foods. There is a huge difference between complex (fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes) and simple (cakes, cookies, etc.) carbs. I'm not saying protein is bad . . . most people consume far too much though. Fat is also good in much lower quantities than most people consume. I also have an open mind and might be better off if I focused on balance more.

[susique333]

NEVER!!! tea must be loose. bagged tea never tastes as good as loose tea!

(IMHO)

:D :D :D

-- Joel.


Joel have you ever gotten bagged oolong? Its the whole leaf but in the convenient bag! I buy mine at the Whole Foods. Good tea can come in a bag! LOL
Whole Leaf Teabags (http://www.enjoyingtea.com/whole-leaf-teabags.html)

[matingara]

Joel have you ever gotten bagged oolong? Its the whole leaf but in the convenient bag! I buy mine at the Whole Foods. Good tea can come in a bag! LOL
Whole Leaf Teabags (http://www.enjoyingtea.com/whole-leaf-teabags.html)

Susi,

i am admittedly a "tea snob". LOL.

i was shocked last year when young master Twining (the current head descendant of that dynasty) was interviewed on radio here. he said that he preferred tea bags in the evening and loose tea at all other times! i was STUNNED.

my maternal grandmother taught me how to make tea when i was about 7 years old. she was visiting us in Boston from her home in Sydney, Australia in the early sixties. she had just crossed the atlantic on either the Queen Mary or the Queen Elizabeth after visiting another one of her daughters in London.

My Australian mother used to serve "afternoon tea" at precisely 4PM every afternoon. if we were playing with the neighborhood kids they would all get to come in and have tea and cakes also. we used to get very strange looks from our friends because afternoon tea at 4PM was definitely not part of the American social schedule.

the tea was always loose. we would be delighted if our cup had a "stranger" floating in it (i.e. a tea leaf floating on the surface).

so, my opinion, is based on my history. i would gladly argue with young Twining if i were given the chance.

i like my tea strong with just a dash of milk. i find that loose tea always works better and is less bitter when strong. BUT it must be poured within five minutes after it starts drawing.

i do occasionally do other teas such as oolong and chai. but i also get them loose.

our current house tea is Brooke Bond Taj Mahal tea. i buy this at an Indian grocer near my office. it is $5 for a pound!!! (unbelievable value). we have drunk this for the last 24 months now and i hope i can always get it. iShopIndian.com :: Groceries :: Tea & Coffee :: Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea (http://www.ishopindian.com/shop/catalog/Brooke-Bond-Taj-Mahal-Tea-p-22134.html)

anyway, i have rambled on a bit. i am a tea snob. but it is part of what makes me what i am.

:D :D :D

-- Joel.

[matingara]

Since I'm Type 1 . . . I might have more carbs than a type 2. Carbs include fruit, vegetables, grains . . . it makes no sense to avoid those natural foods. There is a huge difference between complex (fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes) and simple (cakes, cookies, etc.) carbs. I'm not saying protein is bad . . . most people consume far too much though. Fat is also good in much lower quantities than most people consume. I also have an open mind and might be better off if I focused on balance more.

i completely understand and agree. however, what i have learned is that based on our genetic history we are all different.

i have been on a low fat, high carb diet for the last 20 years.

my fasting cholesterol has been acceptable by my triglycerides have always been horrid!

now that i have cut down the carbs my cholesterol is magnificent. my triglycerides ar in the normal range. My BGLs and HbA1C are also good.

had i kept up the high carb, low fat diet i would be in bad shape i think.

so this tells me that my genetic background contains a "thrifty gene". that my ancestors were all set to endure famines. and that meat is my friend and carbs are not my friends. Carbs are not my enemy - but i need to watch how much i consume very carefully.

my consumption of meat regulates itself. my consumption of fat also regulates itself.

i am rarely hungry between meals now - so i don't snack.

i am exercising daily and i am fitter than i have been in ages. i also now have an excuse to dish up a leafy salad at every meal if i so choose. salads are my favorite thing of all time and always have been.

here is one i prepared earlier. :D :D :D

Low Carb Heaven!!! on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matingara/2207882899/)

[muse]

Pantry:
Whey protein, lots of soups, drinks, shake and meal replacement makers
PAM - with lecithin, it is actually good for you
Nuts - just a few daily
Dried papaya, one stick at a time
Ganoderma coffee
Stevia
Protein Oatmeal
Protein Soup
Chia seed
Coconut Oil
LOTS of different teas, that lower blood sugar
LOTS of supplements that lower blood sugar

Freezer
Vegies, green and red
Fruits for shakes
Spinach Pancakes from Dr. Praeger
Fish, chicken, all the usual protein stuff
Parmesan Cheese
Frozen Fish, not breaded
Frozen Soups from Truesoups - the best! You can buy them at Panera Bread
Low Carb Tortillas, whole grain
Breyers Carb Smart Ice Cream Sticks - Almond/Choc Coating


No canned goods, read about the lining on Google

In Glass Jars:
Low Carb Jam from Hallam's
Marinara, light
Alfredo Sauce, Light
Pickle relish, hot
Davinci Sugar Free Syrups


On pantry Shelf:
Home grown Spaghetti Squash
Home grown Sweet Potatoes
Onions

In baskets:
Tomatoes
Grapefruit
Peppers
Spices
Bananas - split with hubby 1/2 at a time
Oranges
Kiwi



Fridge:
Eggs
Butter
Omega 3 oils
Ham
Turkey
Roast Beef
Pastrami
Milk
Light Cream Cheese


Fresh veggies
Fresh Fruits

Sour cream, light
Yoghurt, plain
Cottage Cheese, 2%

And yes, DARK CHOCOLATE, 1 oz when I can fit it into my carb allowance.

[Gary_W]

I enjoy cooking lots of asian food (by which I mean Indian, Thai, Chinese etc) as well as Morocan, French, Italian, British, American, Mexican. Not much I won't have a go at, so...

Storecupboard:

Whole spices including cumin, corriander, star anise, cinnamon, fennel, black onion seeds, cardomom (brown and green), nutmeg, mace, black peppercorns, methi seeds, black mustard seeds, vanilla pods. Ground spices include turmeric, smoked paprika, Ras El Hanou spice blend (for those Morrocan moments). Whole dried chipotle chillis, anchos and poblanos. Oh, and those little red hot ones...

Malden sea salt (regular and smoked)

Loads of canned pulses (chick peas, borlotti beans etc).

Flour (plain, self raising, gram, rice)

Oils (olive (posh one and not so posh), sunflower, peanut)

Vinegars (balsamic, sherry, cider, malt, rice, regular distilled)

Sauces (brown and red :) )

Passata, and lots of it.

Dried Pasta (various shapes)

Rice (basmatti, sushi, Thai fragrant, Rissoto)

Jams, preserves, decent honey, Nutella, Marmite.

Sugars (white, castor, icing, demorara, brown).

Dried pulses (about 4 or 5 different types of lentils...)

Nuts, dried fruits and seeds (cashews, sunflour, raisins, sultanas, cranberries, prunes, peanuts, pistachios)

Breads (whatever looks good at the shops or whatever I've made (rare these days).

Cornflakes, branflakes, some kind of muesli. Orange juice, various fruit squashes. Biscuits (or Cookies as some folks call them...)

Tea (loose leaf English Breakfast, Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon). Espresso beans. Green tea. Jasmine tea.

Fridge: 3 different kinds of Thai curry pastes (red, green, yellow), Kikkomen Soy, fish sauce, oyster sauce, yellow bean sauce, palm sugar, milk (4 star and unleaded), wine, maple syrup, eggs, bacon, chorizo sausage, fresh herbs (varies, but usually have corriander, parsley, thyme, mint (Rosemary and bay tree out in the garden), root ginger, spring onions, peppers, apples, pears, whatever soft fruit is in season, whatever meat looked good. Usually a bag of salad on the go as well. Butter (French unsalted), mustard, tahini paste (for those moments when homemade houmus is a must). Chocolate (white through to 85% stuff). Insulin.... Beer. Occasionally Cider. Parmesan, buffalo Mozzerella and cheddar cheeses. Decent tomatoes (in season).

Freezer: huge prawns, ice creams, frozen peas, sausages and mince for those emergencies. Kafir lime leaves, Krachi and galangal. That's about it in the freezer.

Whatever veg looked good, but there's always the starchy stuff including potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and squash. Always lemons and limes, usually also oranges and pink grapefruit. Onions and garlic (of course)

And that's about it for us...

Gary