Whole30 Made Easy: Founder Melissa Hartwig Urban Shares Her Top 5 Pantry Essentials

If you’re ready to kick off the Whole30 program but aren’t sure where to start, fear not! We’re here to help. Changing eating habits can be a challenge (even when it’s just for a few weeks) so we sat down with Whole30 founder Melissa Hartwig Urban to find out what she stocks in her pantry. Read on to get the top five items you’ll want on-hand for your Whole30 month—and beyond!

Primal Kitchen Mayo
Most mayos are made with canola oil—but not this one. Primal Kitchen uses avocado oil, plus organic eggs, rosemary extract, and a touch of vinegar for the creamiest spread. Feeling fiery? Give the chipotle lime flavor a try with shrimp tacos and a spicy slaw.

The New Primal Marinades
These sauces are on the top of Melissa’s list and great for meat, seafood, and veggies. “It’s such an easy way to add flavor to your meals,” she says. Whip up spicy bacon-laced chicken cups and you’ll see what she means.

Nut Pods Creamer
Coffee lovers, your morning buzz is about to get even better! Melissa says you can go from “Whole30 ho-hum to Whole30 overjoyed” with one splash of this creamer in your cup. Each flavor (try original, vanilla, or hazelnut) is dairy-free and made with almonds, coconuts, and purified water.

Yai’s Thai Curry
Melissa uses these flavor-packed curries just like pasta sauce. “Use whatever veggies and protein you have, heat it up, and it’s perfect,” she says. You can also make cauliflower rice to serve alongside.

Safe Catch Tuna
Safe Catch has the lowest mercury of any brand thanks to its rigorous testing standards, and there’s always a can or two inside Melissa’s pantry. A dollop of mayo is tried and true, but if your taste buds are feeling adventurous, take tuna salad to new flavor heights with habanero mint or tandoori spices.

If you still have some burning questions about Whole30, head on over to this post and check out the bonus Q&A video with Melissa!