When putting together the recipes for Cooking for Your Genes, it was important for authors Debbi Nathan and Helen Nathan to support all biological pathways. Similarly, the stress-free recipes are created to be used as a daily guide. To help with this, it’s best to start with the basics in your organic kitchen larder.

Having organic ingredients in your pantry ensures the food you are putting into your body contains higher levels of antioxidants and micronutrients. When you are trying to keep an organic kitchen larder, planning your meals ahead of time can be incredibly beneficial. Not only will it help to already have the basics already stocked, but it will keep your meal planning within budget.

Taken from Cooking for Your Genes, below is a ‘starter kit’ list of ingredients that are known to have positive health benefits. They are used extensively in the recipes throughout the book. The list does not include fruit or vegetables, nor fresh ingredients to allow for longevity in your kitchen pantry. However, keep in mind that organic ingredients and fresh, seasonal produce are always best to use if possible.

• Dried apricots
• Turmeric
• Cold-pressed olive oil
• Green tea
• All nuts (no added salt or flavourings)
• Dark chocolate
• Pumkin, sesame, sunflower & flaxseeds
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Lentils
• Capers
• Tahini
• Miso
• Pearl barley
• Star anise

• Tamari/soy sauce
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Chia seeds
• Chipotle paste
• Black beans
• Organic porridge oats/rolled oats
• Wasabi paste
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chilli flakes
• Black darjeeling tea
• Cocoa powder
• Soba noodles
• Polenta