Posted on March 28, 2014 by Jenny Cromack

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If you have read any of my blogs before you will know I am a big fan of locally sourced meat, fruit and vegetables. My weekly trips to my local butchers and greengrocers results in better quality and quantity for my money’s worth as well as the relationship I have built been greeted by my name, offered advice on what’s the best thing available and genuinely being appreciated for my custom. Something you rarely experience in bustling supermarkets.

 

Although I love fresh food I made a fortnightly trip to the supermarket to stock up on the must have essential foods for healthy eating, and I thought I’d share these foods which should be staples of your food cupboard with you.

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Tinned Tomatoes

 

Don’t get me wrong making sauces from fresh tomatoes takes incredible but can also be extremely time consuming; buying chopped tomatoes is a cheap and healthy way to make sauces from scratch to avoid unhealthy tinned and packages sauces. NOTE ensure that the tins you buy are natural and don’t have any added salt or sugar

Herbs (Especially Mixed Herbs )

Are a must in any cooking they work perfectly with tinned tomatoes to make fantastic healthy sauced and can brighten up a bland chicken breast. These are a must in have essential in the kitchen – healthy eating does not have to be bland and boring.

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Spices

 

 

Make sure you have some of your favorite spices in jars to add a little kick to your cooking. Whether you like it hot or just fancy flavoring your homemade soups spices are a must in any kitchen cupboard essentials.

 

Garlic

 

Fresh garlic is fantastic and for the best results always use, however pre cut garlic can be bought and is a fantastic addition to make tasty healthy food easier.

 

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Tuna

 

 

Although having fresh tuna is better tinned tuna is a fantastic alternative, with a long lasting shelf life there really is no excuse not you get your fishy fix. Adding to a basic salad can set you up for a fantastic lunch or keeping well stocked can ensure that there is always something for tea or a snack.

 

Frozen Vegetables

 

My previous blog on fresh vs. frozen (see link below) explained that frozen vegetables are a fantastic alternative for fresh if you run out or want to add some vegetables to your dinner super quick. This is a must in any freezer space to ensure you’re always getting your vegetable intake.

 

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Eggs

 

 

I mainly get my eggs from the greengrocers but they are definitely something that should be on your shopping list perfect scrambled for breakfast, hardboiled for lunch or poached for tea, eggs are a fantastic must have addition to your diet. If you buy fresh free range eggs and store them in a cool place they will keep for up to a month.

 

 

Nuts

 

I personally am not Nuts about these (rubbish joke I know!) because I’m allergic but they really are a super food for healthy eating and again can be used in breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and again have a long shelf life.

 

Peanut Butter

 

I’m talking healthy organic peanut butter, its great as a snack with a banana but you have to have self control a spoonful is sufficient. I find that my clients sometimes find portion control hard with this so be careful not to keep dipping into the jar. There is a certain personal trainer who works for us whose husband has to hide it in their house as the temptation is too much for her!

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So there you have it some of the top foods you should always have in stock at your house. As I said I rarely go to the supermarket but I get funny looks loading up large quantities of the items above.

 

A top tip would be to order these essentials along with house hold cleaning products and toiletries that way you avoid the temptation of picking up unwanted items as you walk around the supermarket.

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Happy shopping and Healthy cooking

Lucy

Related blogs

Is Fresh, Canned or Frozen Veg Better For You?

http://www.m8north.co.uk/blog/fresh-canned-frozen-vegetables-better/

The top cooking accessories everyone needs to eat healthy http://www.m8north.co.uk/blog/top-accessories-for-healthy-eating/