Stocking your pantry well means that you will have everything on hand when you need it.  The products in your pantry are generally the items that have a long shelf life like beans and spices and oil. It is important to have these items on hand because they are the items that you will reach for time and time again for a variety of recipes. Another reason to have these items always on hand is that that these are also the items that will help you snazz-up or bulk-up any leftovers.

We all know the perils of having a pantry that is overstocked. An overstocked pantry is too full of the necessities and other extras that make finding what you need close to impossible. It's also a big waste of money. So take the time on a rainy afternoon to clean out and  restock your pantry with the healthful essentials. The healthful essential include whole grains which in addition to being delicious are fill of phytonutrients and fiber. Another healthful essential are beans and lentils. These legumes are great to have on hand because they are a super healthful and cheap substitute for meat any night of the week.

Other essentials that do not have as long a shelf life are oils which provide great taste and specific traits to certain meals and herbs and spices which are essential for the healthful cook; they can take the place salt and other sodium laden food flavorings.