I often come home after a long day and starving.  It is so easy to be mindless and prepare something unhealthy or go for some bad fast food.

It calls for a lot of self discipline to be mindful and opt for the healthy meal when tired or hungry. I´ve failed many times grabbing the unhealthy choice and the minute after regretting it.  Most of the time it doesn’t give me the right nutrition and energy needed after a long day at work.  Aimless snacking usually leads to weight gain and other health issues.

The only way is to fill your kitchen up with healthy foods. Only have unhealthy snacks when you are going out. You can also buy small portions for that one day of treats, leaving no leftovers for the week.

Here are 9 healthy foods that is always good to have in your kitchen:

1. Quinoa is a good base for anything.  A stand alone side dish for dinner, or with your lunch salad. You can also have it instead of your breakfast oatmeal.  Quinoa is full of proteins with plenty of uses.

2. Raw Nuts is the perfect snack.  They are full of healthy fats and protein that reduces that hunger feeling.  Buy them raw and unsalted because if there is to much flavor, its easier to eat to much of them.  Nuts are healthy, but not too much as they have a very high fat content (although its good fat).

3. Non-Dairy Milk is great as replacement for your milk in the breakfast bowl. It is also good smoothies and baking or just for a single glass as a in-between meals snack.  Go for the unsweetened almond, coconut or hemp milk.

4. Lemon is good for salad dressing, or to enhance flavor. There is also a great benefit as a supplement to your glass of water. Having many health benefits beyond your imagination.

5. Bananas and Fresh Berries are fantastic for that wonderful smoothie or as a snack.  Bananas are also cost effective and can be added to a smoothie with ease. Add the non-dairy milk and berries you already for a perfect smoothie.  Fresh berries are full of antioxidants and a great snack or as part of your salad or desert.

6. Dark Chocolate is the perfect food to indulge in for that sweet tooth of yours. If you know you need to have something why not have the one thing that is full of antioxidants.

7. Vinegars.Try white wine, apple cider, balsamic and champagne for that simple dressing. Marinade your high protein dishes in vinegars or as great flavor enhancers for vegetables.

8. Avocado is one of my favorite foods. Its a wonderful superfood, so having it in stock all time is essential.  Just make sure to buy the good ones that are perfect when ripe.  Use the avocado on your toast instead of butter or in your salads.  Even try it for smoothies and avocado baked eggs.  It is a healthy food that your meals will benefit.

9. Herbs and spices are key to the perfect meal. Having the right spice  enhancing the flavor is crucial.  Getting significant health benefits on top of the flavor is a great bonus.  With the right spice a simple dinner of broccoli and chicken can become extraordinary.  Fresh herbs are good for more softer flavor.  It is not easy to keep fresh except having your own little “greenhouse”. I opt for basil, timian and parsley as you can add it to anything to enrich the flavor.  Spices to have is like cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom and coriander. Here you can read about the health benefits of some of the spices.

Go shopping when you are in a good balance with a prepared list. Focus on your fresh vegetables and proteins.  This will keep you on the healthy side when getting ready to cook at home.  Or going for that light between meal snack.