My Preferred Ingredient Choices: The Foods and Ingredients I Choose for My Kitchen

Discover the ingredients I choose for my kitchen and why I prioritize whole foods, minimally processed options, quality sourcing, and simple ingredients to create nourishing meals for my family.

The ingredients we choose shape the meals we create, which is why I’ve become intentional about the foods I keep in my kitchen. In this article, I share my preferred ingredient choices, from whole foods and minimally processed staples to quality proteins, healthy fats, and naturally sweetened options. These choices reflect my personal food philosophy of creating meals that are nourishing, flavorful, and made with ingredients I feel good about using.

The Philosophy Behind My Ingredient Choices

If you’ve spent any time browsing my recipes, you’ve probably noticed that I tend to use many of the same ingredients over and over again. That’s intentional.

Over the years, I’ve become much more mindful of the foods I bring into my home. Through my own health journey, research, trial and error, and a growing appreciation for nutrition, I’ve developed a personal philosophy centered around choosing foods that are nourishing, flavorful, and as close to their natural state as possible.

The ingredients we keep in our kitchens often shape the meals we create. The choices we make at the grocery store can influence the way we cook, the flavors we develop, and the way we nourish ourselves and our families.

My goal is not perfection, and I do not believe there is only one “right” way to eat. Everyone’s food choices are influenced by culture, health needs, allergies, budget, accessibility, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Instead, this article shares the ingredient qualities I personally prioritize and why you’ll see them throughout my recipes. These choices reflect my own food philosophy: focusing on whole, minimally processed ingredients, choosing quality when possible, and creating meals that are both nourishing and enjoyable.

Whole Foods First

The foundation of my kitchen is whole, minimally processed foods.

Whole foods are foods that are close to their original form and have not been heavily altered. These foods naturally provide important nutrients our bodies need, including protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Some of my favorite whole foods include:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Eggs
• Meat and poultry
• Seafood
• Beans and lentils
• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds

I believe these foods create the foundation of a nourishing diet because they provide the body with the nutrients needed to support energy, digestion, and overall wellness.

However, I also believe it is important to understand that processed does not automatically mean unhealthy.

Many nutritious foods go through some level of processing before reaching our kitchens. Foods like Greek yogurt, cheese, oats, olive oil, frozen fruits and vegetables, canned beans, and natural nut butters are all examples of foods that have been processed in some way but can still be healthy choices.

For me, the goal is not to eliminate all processed foods. It is to prioritize foods that are simple, nourishing, and minimally processed whenever possible.

Choosing Organic Produce When Possible

Whenever it is practical, I prefer choosing organic produce.

Organic foods are grown using farming practices that limit certain synthetic pesticides and chemicals. Some people choose organic because they want to reduce their exposure to pesticide residues, while others choose it because they want to support certain farming practices.

For me, organic is a preference, not a requirement.

I believe eating fruits and vegetables—whether organic or conventional—is always a positive choice. If organic produce does not fit your budget or is not available, that should never stop you from eating more plants.

When deciding what produce I prioritize buying organic, I sometimes use resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists as a helpful guide. I view these as resources, not strict rules.

Learn more about it here.

Why I Choose Non-GMO Foods

When possible, I choose non-GMO products.

Non-GMO means that a food has not been genetically modified. In simple terms, it means the ingredients have not had their genetic makeup changed in a laboratory setting.

Some people choose non-GMO foods because they prefer ingredients that are closer to how they naturally occur, while others choose them because of personal values, farming preferences, or how they want to source their food.

For me, choosing non-GMO foods is simply a personal preference that fits with my overall approach of being intentional about the ingredients I bring into my kitchen.

I like knowing where my food comes from and choosing products that align with the way I want to nourish myself and my family.

At the same time, I understand that everyone has different opinions, access, budgets, and reasons behind their food choices. There is not one perfect approach for everyone.

Animal Products I Prefer

When available and within my budget, I often choose higher-quality animal products such as:

• Pasture-raised eggs
• Pasture-raised poultry
• Grass-fed beef
• Wild-caught seafood
• Sustainably sourced seafood
• Uncured meats

These labels can sometimes feel confusing, so here is what they generally mean:

Pasture-raised means animals have access to pasture or outdoor environments where they can move around and naturally forage.

Grass-fed means cattle are primarily fed grass instead of a grain-based diet.

Wild-caught means seafood is caught in its natural environment rather than raised in a farm setting.

Sustainably sourced means efforts are made to harvest seafood in ways that help protect ecosystems and maintain fish populations for the future.

Uncured means the meat is not preserved using traditional synthetic curing agents, although it may still contain naturally occurring curing ingredients such as celery powder.

I personally choose these options because they align with my values around food quality, sourcing, and how I want to nourish my family.

However, I also recognize that these options are not always accessible or affordable for everyone, and they are not the only way to eat a healthy diet.

My Favorite Cooking Fats

The fats we cook with can make a big difference in both flavor and the overall experience of a meal.

Some of my favorite cooking fats include:

• Ghee
• Beef tallow
• Butter
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Avocado oil

I enjoy using these fats because they add richness, flavor, and satisfaction to meals while fitting well into my cooking style.

Ghee is clarified butter, meaning the milk solids have been removed. It has a rich buttery flavor and works well for cooking.

Beef tallow is rendered beef fat and is a traditional cooking fat that adds a delicious savory flavor.

Butter is a kitchen staple that adds incredible flavor to both savory and sweet recipes.

Extra virgin olive oil is a flavorful oil that works beautifully for dressings, sauces, finishing dishes, and lower-heat cooking.

Avocado oil has a mild flavor and is a versatile option for different cooking methods.

Why I Personally Limit Refined Seed Oils

You may notice that many of my recipes do not include common refined seed oils.

Seed oils are oils made from seeds such as soybeans, corn, sunflower seeds, and safflower seeds. Many of these oils go through several steps of processing before becoming the oils commonly found in packaged foods and cooking products.

I personally prefer cooking with fats like ghee, butter, tallow, avocado oil, and extra virgin olive oil because I enjoy their flavor and prefer the way they fit into my cooking philosophy.

There is ongoing discussion and research surrounding seed oils, and people have different opinions about them. My goal is not to tell everyone what they should or should not eat, but simply to share the choices I make in my own kitchen and why you’ll see certain ingredients used throughout my recipes.

Naturally Sweetened Options

When I want to sweeten a recipe, I often choose naturally sweetened ingredients such as:

• Raw honey
• 100% pure maple syrup
• Dates or date syrup
• Coconut sugar
• Naturally sweet fruits such as bananas, apples, and berries

Naturally sweetened does not mean sugar-free. These ingredients still contain sugar and should be enjoyed mindfully.

The difference is that many of these options are less refined and may contain additional naturally occurring compounds compared to highly refined sweeteners.

For example, whole fruit contains natural sugar along with fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Dates contain natural sweetness along with fiber and nutrients. Raw honey and pure maple syrup contain naturally occurring compounds that contribute flavor.

Some swaps I personally enjoy include:

• 100% pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrups made primarily with corn syrup
• Peanut butter made with only peanuts (and sometimes salt) instead of varieties with added sugars and oils
• Recipes sweetened with ingredients like fruit, honey, or maple syrup when appropriate

This does not mean refined sugar can never be enjoyed. Instead, I prefer choosing ingredients that align with my overall philosophy most of the time.

Simple Ingredients and Reading Labels

One of the biggest habits that changed the way I shop is learning to read ingredient labels.

Whenever possible, I look for foods made with simple ingredients that I recognize and understand.

Some examples of products I personally look for include:

• Bread made with simpler ingredients and minimal added sugars
• Bread made with unbleached flour or alternative flours such as oat, almond, or coconut flour when appropriate
• Milk options that fit my preferences, such as A2 milk
• Drinks without added sugars
• Products without unnecessary artificial colors or excessive additives

I do not believe every unfamiliar ingredient is automatically harmful. Many ingredients serve important purposes, such as food safety, preservation, or texture.

Instead, I simply try to choose foods that are closer to their original form and contain ingredients that support the way I want to eat.

Why I Limit Highly Processed Foods

While I do not completely avoid highly processed foods, I try not to make them the foundation of my diet.

Many ultra-processed foods are created for convenience, long shelf life, and enhanced flavor. Some contain high amounts of added sugars, refined carbohydrates, artificial colors, or other ingredients designed to change texture, taste, or appearance.

I personally prefer foods that provide more nourishment and fewer unnecessary additions.

This does not mean every packaged food is bad or that every ingredient added during processing is harmful. Food exists on a spectrum, and my goal is simply to make minimally processed foods the foundation of my meals.

Flavor Comes From Real Ingredients

Healthy food should never feel boring.

A big part of my cooking philosophy is creating meals that are both nourishing and full of flavor.

Some of my favorite ingredients include:

• Fresh garlic
• Onion
• Fresh herbs
• Ginger
• Citrus
• Homemade sauces
• Homemade broths
• Fermented foods
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Spices

These simple ingredients can completely transform a meal and make healthy eating enjoyable.

Progress Over Perfection

Do I eat this way every single day?

No.

Some days my meals match my philosophy almost perfectly.

Some days they may only partially reflect it.

And some days they may not reflect it at all—and that is okay.

I do not believe healthy eating should create guilt, fear, or stress around food.

This philosophy is simply the foundation I return to because it helps me feel my best and supports the way I want to nourish myself and my family.

Health is built through consistent habits over time, not perfection every single day.

Small choices add up.

Looking for Recipes?

Curious how I use these ingredients in everyday cooking? Explore my recipe collection made with many of the wholesome ingredients and cooking principles discussed throughout this article.

Browse all recipes here.

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this article reflects my personal experiences, research, and opinions. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. Nutrition is highly individualized, and everyone’s health needs, dietary preferences, and circumstances are different. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or if you have questions about your individual health needs.