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Woman stocking up her pantry with healthy pantry staples
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Woman stocking up her pantry with healthy pantry staples
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Stocking Up for Better Health: Pantry Staples That Support Common Chronic Conditions

08/27/2025

Living with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease can be challenging. From scheduling health appointments to managing a medication routine, there’s a lot to consider as we get older.

Nutrition is key in managing these conditions, starting with selecting the right foods at home. This article will explain what you need to know about choosing smart pantry staples that align with your dietary needs. These tips and tricks will help you choose foods that support your health based on your medical condition.

Why Make Healthier Swaps

Creating a healthy pantry full of smart staples makes it easier to make the right food choices. Ditch the processed, high-sodium, and high-sugar foods in your pantry for staples you can grab. Many shelf-stable foods contain unhealthy ingredients that can worsen your chronic condition. Some examples of low-effort, healthy swaps include:

  • Swap the white rice and pasta in your pantry for healthier grain/starch items such as quinoa.
  • Look at items, such as nut butters, for added sugar. Swap for natural, no-sugar-added varieties.
  • Ditch seed oils, such as canola oil, which cause inflammation. Cook with healthier alternatives like olive oil or avocado oil.

Reading Labels for Sodium and Sugar

Many of your favorite pantry staples contain sodium and sugar. Avoiding hidden sodium and sugars in stable foods is important for managing your health, especially for those with heart conditions or Type 2 Diabetes.

When reading labels, always pay close attention to the ingredients list. Choosing foods with fewer added ingredients is a great place to start. Be mindful of words used to mask sugar, such as cane sugar, agave, molasses, caramel, or syrups like high-fructose corn syrup. Instead of choosing snacks with these types of ingredients, look for authentic, whole-food snacks like almonds.

Sneaky sources of sodium could also be problematic for your chronic health condition. High levels of sodium are often found in condiments and canned goods. Some simple pantry swaps for these staples include:

  • Use spices like paprika without added sodium to give your food flavor without the salt.
  • Opt for low-sodium condiment options.
  • Rinse canned veggies before using to reduce sodium content.
  • Avoid pre-packaged frozen meals and prepare real, whole foods whenever possible.

Organizing Your Pantry

Organizing your pantry can help you make healthy choices. Many people have cluttered pantries that make it difficult to see what's available. To avoid this, consider our best pantry organization tips:

  • Use organizers: Using clear bins and organizers allows you to see what you have at all times. You can also add labels to the front to keep similar items (spices, sauces, etc.) nearby. Visibility is key when it comes to making the right choices.
  • Do regular clear-outs: Once a month, set a time on your calendar to go through your pantry and ensure everything is clearly organized. Remove any expired goods and see what items you may need to stock up on. Placing items at eye-level can help ensure you see everything you have (and avoid food waste).
  • Ditch processed items: Smart pantry staples include healthy whole grains, healthy cooking oils, and more. As you go through your pantry, ditch processed snacks, seed oils, and other foods that contribute to inflammation and can worsen your chronic condition.

Find a Provider Today

Want more help managing your chronic condition with healthy diet choices? Locate a center near you today for personalized support. Our care teams help our patients receive personalized support and health plans that are best for your specific condition.

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