10 Foods Every Healthy Kitchen Needs

You can toss a handful or two of nutrient-rich leaves into almost any meal, from smoothies to soups to pastas. You won't really notice the taste, but since the leafy green is packed with iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and more, your body will thank you.

Add a tablespoon of these tiny black seeds to your breakfast smoothie or bowl of oatmeal for an energizing start to your day. When mixed with liquid, the tiny black seeds swell up, which helps you feel fuller longer, as does the fact that chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and protein. Learn more about chia seeds here.

Easy-to-eat fruits make for a convenient snack when you're ravenous and ready to reach for anything. Keep fruits like apples, bananas, pears, and oranges stocked in your kitchen so you can reach for a healthy and portable snack whenever hunger strikes.

Squeeze it in your water, on top of your salad, or into your tea: having a lemon or two on hand is an easy way to add dimension (as well as detoxifying properties) to your home-cooked meals.

While they may be high in calories, a handful of nuts helps keep you full while giving you a much-needed dose of heart-healthy omega-3s. Make sure your nut habit is a healthy one with this chart of nut serving sizes and nutrition.

If you're trying to lose weight, getting enough protein to build strong muscles should be just as important as the time you spend in the gym. Adding a scoop of protein powder to smoothies, baked goods, and more will help you up your protein intake for the day without overthinking it. Whether you're gluten-free, vegan, or lactose intolerant, here are protein powder picks for every diet.