Good Food is all about fresh, seasonal, and local foods, but as investment banks tumble and my garden is about to hibernate for the winter, my pantry earns a new place in my kitchen. Here are five healthy pantry staples I’m finding new love for as they keep my kitchen in business and my body at its best!

•    Nuts and Nut Butters: Packed with protein and vitamins, nuts make healthy snacks by the handful, but are also great tossed in salads, into trail mixes and on top of weekend waffles. Natural nut butters have many of the same health benefits as whole nuts (watch out for extra sugar), and can become a toast-topper that sticks with you all morning long.

•    A nutty, seeded, Whole-Grain Bread (like Ezekiel 4:17 brand): This staple can be quickly transformed into the base for sandwiches, croutons for soups and salads, crostini, or French toast. Look for 100% whole-wheat flour in the ingredient list and breads without corn syrup.

•    Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Full of healthy fats, olive oil gives everything from toast to canned tuna a healthy glisten and great flavor. Paired with a little vinegar it can turn anything from canned corn to whole wheat pasta into a perfect salad or side

•    Popcorn: The perfect healthy snack food, plain popcorn is whole-grain even your kids won’t mind munching on. Pop up a bowl of the plain stuff and season it yourself – the “butter” flavoring is anything but!

•    Low-Sodium, Organic Chicken Stock: Chicken stock can quickly become your favorite soup or stew with freshly chopped vegetables, pastas and orzo, or canned beans. A simple, satisfying solution for supper on the fly!

•    Canned tuna, sardines or anchovies: Pick your pleasure, these fish are packed with flavor and lean proteins, and sardines and anchovies deliver a healthy dose of Omega 3s.