Whole30 Staples

One of the ways to make it easier to complete the Whole30 challenge is to stock your pantry and fridge with some of the staples and substitutes you’ll need to follow the guidelines.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Coconut Oil
This is a great oil to use, whether you are on the challenge or not. It has a high smoke point, so it is great for cooking. Coconut is also linked to many health benefits.

• How to use it: I have used it for over a year as a substitute for any pan-frying oil.
• Where to find it: This is more and more readily available; I buy this in Seattle at Whole Foods and PCC, and I have seen another brand available at Costco.

Coconut Manna
This is a smooth spread made of pure dried coconut flesh. When I am not on the Whole30 challenge, I use this on toast as a butter substitute. On the label it is deemed a “melt in your mouth” treat.

• How to use it: This is great butter substitute.
• Where I find it:  Also more and more readily available, this can be found in Seattle at Whole Foods and PCC.

Almond Milk
It is very difficult to find a store-bought almond milk that is Whole30 compliant (nondairy without sugar). If you are on the challenge, be extra careful to make sure you pick up the unsweetened version of this milk. On the weekends, my husband and I like it steamed for our lattés or cappuccinos. It makes a nice froth.

• How to use it: Replaces milk.
• Where to find it: This is a Whole Foods brand. There are other brands, just make sure you buy one that is not full of fillers and sugar.

Bacon
Finding bacon without sugar was a huge challenge because the curing process usually includes sugar. Use this for breakfast or to wrap venison tenderloin.

• How to use it: Substitute for bacon in any recipe.
• Where to find it: I could only find one store that carried a bacon made without sugar. In Seattle, I found this brand at PCC. Make sure you get the uncured and not the maple flavored.

Lil’ Smokies
What can I say, except these are a perfect accompaniment to any football game watching this weekend. Here in Seattle, we will be watching the Seahawks take on the 49ers Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Snacks are not part of the Whole30 challenge, but I’ll have these on hand anyway.

Other must-haves in our household
Because this is our second Whole30 Challenge, we now know what to keep on hand. Here are a few more items:

• Prosciutto
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh-ground almond butter
• Macadamia nuts
• Oil-cured black olives
• Avocados
• Sweet potatoes (a must for any athlete)
• Butternut squash
• Tons of fresh vegetables
• Pecan pie Lara bars (to get me through my long runs)