Spring Cleaning Series Part 3: My Favorite Kitchen & Pantry Staples
As I’ve talked about the last few weeks, Spring is the perfect time if you’re looking to make cleaner swaps in your home. But, it’s not just for bath and body products – let’s look at the Kitchen! Small swaps can make a huge impact on your health without sacrificing flavor. Below are some of my go-to kitchen staples that help keep meals delicious, nourishing, and free from inflammatory ingredients – and they are Gluten-free!
Swap White Flour for Arrowroot Starch
White flour can be harsh on digestion and cause blood sugar spikes. Instead, I love using arrowroot starch, a natural, gluten-free alternative. It’s perfect for:
- Pan frying – Coat proteins like chicken or fish for a crispy, golden crust.
- Thickening sauces – Use it in soups, stir-fries, or gravies for a smooth, silky texture without clumps.
- Baking – Blend with other flours for a gluten-free treat that still has a light, fluffy consistency.
Ditch Soy and Use Coconut Aminos or Tamari
Soy sauce is often packed with additives, GMOs, and excess sodium. Instead, I reach for coconut aminos or tamari for a cleaner, soy-free option. We go through Coconut aminos over here like crazy!!
These work really well in:
- Asian stir-fries – Adds that savory umami flavor without the soy.
- Marinades – Mix with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for a flavorful protein marinade. I made this a ginger miso chicken last week and marinated it in this – divine! We also made this Chicken Pad Thai – 11/10 !!! So delicious.
- Dipping sauces – Blend with a little honey and lime for a perfect sushi dip.
Say No to Seed Oils in Dressings
Most store-bought dressings (looking at you, Newman’s and Ken’s!) are loaded with inflammatory seed oils. Instead, I buy Primal Kitchen dressings or make my own. Here’s a quick, foolproof homemade dressing recipe:
Homemade Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt & black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup Whisk together and drizzle over salads, roasted veggies, or grain bowls!
Swap White Sugar for Maple Syrup or Honey
Refined sugar wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels and energy. I love using maple syrup or raw honey as a natural sweetener, but maple syrup has a lower glycemic index, making it a great alternative in:
- Coffee or tea
- Oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies
- Baking and homemade granola
Other Favorite Pantry Staples
- Full-fat coconut milk – A creamy, dairy-free alternative for coffee, soups, or curries.
- Brown rice noodles – Great for gluten-free pasta dishes and stir-fries.
- Purple rice – Packed with antioxidants and a fun, nutrient-dense swap for white rice. Pro tip: cook it in coconut milk & chicken broth – DELISH!
*Note: I find all of these ingredients at Publix – you can also find a lot on Amazon, or Thrive Market online. If you’re local to Pensacola, Everman’s too!
Upgrading your pantry doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just start with a few small swaps and enjoy the benefits of clean, nourishing ingredients.
Cheers to good food and SUNSHINE! Happy Spring!
