Take a look into my pantry!

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe"

-Gail Devers

WEBSITE: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/low-calorie-snacks?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-2010_Oct_08-_-Dose-_-readon

Well, inspired by yesterday's website, I decided to give you a glance into things I always have in my pantry! These are only a few of the many things I buy EVERY time I go to HEB but I tried to stick to some of my favorites!

I LOVE oatmeal! It is one of my favorites for sure and I often find myself wanting it more often than just breakfast. It is all natural, low in fat, can help you lose weight, reduces the risk for diabetes, high in fiber and nutrients and very versatile. Change it up with berries, nuts, milk, protein powder, peanut butter...the possibilities are endless!!

The Crystal Light Wild Strawberry has a little caffeine and only 10 calories! It is another good one and tastes great! It has that mid-day energy boost I need and gives a little flavor so you aren't drinking another plain glass of water.

This stuff just tastes great and is SO good for you. The push now is that it has as much protein as an egg and, if you have read my blog, you know protein keeps you full throughout the day. It has lots of nutrients that are great for any healthy lifestyle. Try it with a sliced banana, strawberries, stevia or just plain!!

Plain and simply, I love pasta. Italian has always been my favorite and I think I could live on breads and pastas alone (well, maybe some peanut butter on the side at least!) Whole grains provide more fiber and are heart healthy. Also, don't let Atkins fool you, you need carbs in your life!!

Black beans are good in a lot of things. I actually heat them up and throw them on my Orrowheat sandwich rounds when I am in a hurry to eat. They are great with hummus and spinach in a pita or mixed with vegetable to make tasty lettuce wraps. Fiber, protein, and tasty...what more could you want!

I am not about to post about my pantry without mentioning the central staple to my pantry! Peanut butter is my go-to food and I love it on just about anything!! I am a four year old at heart, but I am very content eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch everyday. It is caloric but has so many health benefits such as fiber, protein and vitamin E

This is a fairly recent find and I absolutely LOVE it! I have eating rice cakes for a long time and they are not very filling. It seems like you are eating puffed air, and not less full than before you took the first bite. These on the other hand are packed with nutrients and whole grains so you are enjoying a filling treat. These specific Flax with Tamari are high in Omega-3.

As I said I eat like a grade schooler, but I can't get enough of these animal crackers! I am not going to try to make up reasons for why they are healthy because it wouldn't be true but they are almost always stocked in my pantry. They are great when I am craving something sweet or when I feel the urge to chow down on something less healthy. Because they are low in fat and calories, there is less guilt in grabbing a handful of these than reaching for the cheese-nips or chips ahoy!

My list could go on forever but 8 are worth sharing. What do you keep in your pantry?

Megan