10 Pantry Staples for Quick-and-Easy Healthy Meals

This week is crazy for me. Check out what's on my calendar: a blog bake sale, a photo shoot with theBoston Globe, a friend's birthday dinner, a day trip to New York City for a special event, my book signing (!!!), hosting a guest overnight in the middle of the week, and traveling to a fitness conference in Baltimore to speak on a panel.

All these things are fun and exciting, but needless to say, my week is going to be really hectic, which means I won't have much time to cook at home. I've learned that if I stock my kitchen with nutritious foods that are versatile and easy to prepare, eating healthy meals and snacks isn't too difficult, even during my busiest weeks. Here are my favorite go-to foods that help me enjoy quick, healthy meals that don't pack on the pounds.View the slideshow.

Whole-wheat pasta

Whole-wheat pasta is a staple in my house because it always makes a quick-and-easy, healthy meal. I love adding fresh vegetables and herbs to my pasta dishes. 

Whole-wheat pasta has more fiber than regular white noodles, so I feel full faster, and I'm not usually tempted to eat a second helping.  

Next: Canned tuna

Canned tuna

Canned tuna is a good way to get protein and heart-healthy omega-3s in my diet, but I also love tuna because it's quick, easy, and affordable. 

The culinary possibilities also go well beyond sandwiches! I love topping my salads with canned tuna, tossing it into pasta dishes, or mixing it with avocado and eating that with whole-grain crackers.

Next: Frozen edamame

Frozen edamame

In the frozen-food section of your grocery store, you can find precooked edamame in pods or already shelled. All you have to do is thaw it and eat! 

Edamame is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with protein and iron. Not too shabby, right?

Next: Peanut butter

Peanut butter

Oh, how I love peanut butter! People who are watching their weight often shy away from peanut butter because it's a high-calorie food, but it's loaded with protein, healthy fats, and lots of vitamins. 

What I like most about peanut butter is that it fills me up and wards off my hunger for hours. I love adding it to oatmeal, smoothies, and bananas for a quick (and filling!) snack.

Next: Veggie burgers

Veggie burgers

When I have only a few minutes to make lunch or dinner, I heat up a frozen veggie burger (my favorite is Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers), add it to a whole-wheat English muffin, throw on a piece a cheese and some fresh vegetables, and I'm good to go!

Next: Eggs

Eggs

I love eggs! They're such a versatile food. They make a great veggie scramble for breakfast, an easy egg salad sandwich for lunch, or a filling veggie frittata for dinner. 

For around $2, you can get a dozen eggs, which makes them one of the cheapest sources of protein available. I try to include protein at all of my meals to keep my hunger at bay.

Next: Canned beans

Canned beans

I always get my money's worth with canned beans! They're a great source of meatless protein as well as fiber and iron. Plus, the varieties are endless—chickpeas, black, pinto, navy, kidney—so it's difficult to get bored with them! 

I love adding beans to salads, pasta dishes, andbaking them in the oven with salt and vinegar for a healthy snack.

Next: Frozen berries

Frozen berries

Fresh berries are often pretty expensive, especially when they are out of season. 

Frozen berries cost much less and they're just as nutritious for you. I love tossing frozen berries into smoothies, oatmeal, and fresh salads.

Next: Chocolate chips

Chocolate chips

When I want a little something to satisfy my sweet tooth, I reach for the bag of chocolate chips that I stash in my refrigerator door.

I pour a couple of tablespoons into a small bowl and savor them slowly. For around 150 calories, this simple treat satisfies my sweet tooth without overdoing it.