How I Built a Macro-Friendly Pantry (and Transformed My Health Along the Way)
When I moved out of my parents’ home and into my own space, one of the things I was most excited about was building my kitchen. It started out traditional — the kind of kitchen I grew up with, filled with familiar spices, comfort staples, and the occasional boxed item. At the time, it felt like a natural flow to recreate from what I knew.
However, as I delved deeper into my studies as a health coach and expanded my nutritional knowledge, I realized that my kitchen could be more than just nostalgic. I started connecting the dots between what I grew up with (Ayurvedic kitchen) and what I was learning from modern science. What I needed wasn’t just a place to cook — it was a space that actively supported the kind of health-focused lifestyle I was trying to build.
That’s when everything changed. It was time to update the kitchen.
A Kitchen Designed Around Macros & Micro-Automation
Today, my kitchen is structured like my mindset: calm, clear, and macro-driven. Every item I keep on hand serves a role — not only to nourish, but to simplify. I like to think of it as micro-automation for health. When my pantry is already stocked with nutrient-dense, meal-ready ingredients, it’s easy to make better decisions without overthinking.
This doesn’t mean it’s rigid. It means it’s intentional. And it means that even on busy days, I’m just a few ingredients away from a meal that supports my body. I can easily make a high-protein and high-fiber smoothie with whey protein or a Greek yogurt bowl (both with 20g+ protein, both under 5 minutes).
Here’s how I think about it, broken down by macronutrients.
Carbohydrates: Whole and Fiber-Rich – No refined carbs
I mostly eat vegetables and fruits, focusing on whole grains and slow-burning carbs that help keep my energy stable throughout the day.
- Quinoa – My go-to base for bowls and batch-prepped meals
- Lentils and legumes – Full of fiber, plant protein, and iron
- Steel-cut oats – A breakfast staple with staying power
- Sweet potatoes and potatoes – Roasted, mashed, or air-fried—are nutrient-dense and versatile
- Seasonal vegetables & fruits – For both nourishment and variety
- Occasional sourdough – A fermented treat I enjoy when fresh and local
- Rice and Pasta – A pantry essential for my son Krish, even though I don’t eat it much myself
Proteins: Ready-to-Use & Versatile
Protein is the anchor of every meal I build, so I make sure I always have multiple options ready to go.
- Chicken breast – Cooked in batches and stored for easy meals
- Salmon and tuna – Quick, nourishing, and rich in omega-3s
- Eggs – Not just a breakfast staple — I love eating them for lunch or dinner as well
- Greek yogurt – A fridge essential (you’ve probably seen it in my stories!) that doubles as a snack, dressing base, or smoothie
- Whey Protein – My easy boost of protein for smoothies
Fats: The only 4 cooking oils we need in our kitchen
Fats aren’t the enemy — they’re essential. I keep mine clean and purpose-specific:
- Avocado oil – For high-heat cooking
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) – For drizzling over dishes or mixing into dressings
- Ghee or coconut oil – For baking or occasional rich flavors
Everything has a role, and I choose ingredients that feel good in my body and elevate the taste of whole foods.
A Note on Sugar: Not in This Kitchen
While I don’t believe in rigid restriction, I do believe in clarity. My kitchen is refined sugar-free, not because of a rule, but because I’ve learned what truly supports my energy and mood. You’ll find natural sweeteners like raw honey, dates, and maple syrup here, but never processed sugar, which is often hidden in sauces or snacks.
The Real Win: Ease Meets Intention
When you open my pantry or fridge today, you won’t see clutter. You’ll see systems. Prepped proteins, ready-to-cook grains, and beautifully aligned containers of legumes and seeds.
It’s not about perfection — it’s about peace. I know that no matter how hectic the day gets, I can walk into my kitchen and know exactly what I have, what I can make, and how it will make me feel. It’s also low maintenance and easy to restock.
That’s the power of a macro-friendly pantry. And honestly? It’s one of the best health and wellness upgrades I’ve ever made.
Amazon Pantry Essentials
Here are a few of my tried-and-true staples I love from Amazon:
Healthy Fats
Proteins
