When you’re not sure what’s for dinner, it’s important to have a well stocked pantry so you can make quick and easy — yet healthy — meals in a pinch.

Toss a variety of frozen vegetables with canned boneless salmon and whole wheat pasta, then sprinkle with parmesan. Or beef up a can of soup with vegetables and fresh herbs/spices. Finish off your meal with fruit; try blending canned pineapple or oranges with vanilla yogurt and ice for a tasty frozen treat.

When reaching for your favorite canned cuisine, be sure to choose low-sodium and low-sugar varieties packed in 100% juice or water.

Better yet, can your own fruits and vegetables. Once considered a thing of the past, canning has again become an important practice — not only if you’re concerned about the fuel and energy used to transport and package store-bought produce, but also if you want to help your community by buying fresh produce from local markets.