There is a simple trick to a balanced diet: stock your kitchen with healthy and versatile foods. Having these foods on hand in your pantry, refrigerator or freezer really simplifies the meal-making process. In this blog post, learn which foods you should never be without. We’re also giving you a healthy shopping list PDF to download and help you get started!
13 FOODS FOR YOUR HEALTHY SHOPPING LIST
1. LEGUMES
Every pantry should contain lentils, chickpeas, beans and peas. They are great sources of vegetable protein and rich in fiber. Clinical studies have shown that legumes can prevent diabetes due to their low glycemic index.
Use beans, lentils and peas for curries, chilis, this fruity quinoa salad or even these super moistchocolate brownies. They come in cans or dried (but don’t forget that you need to pre-cook these).
2. NUTS
Unsalted nuts are the perfect all-rounder: they are rich in valuable fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. Snack on nuts between meals, put them in a smoothie or your morning oatmeal, or add them to sauces in the form of nut butters. But don’t overdo it: walnuts, almonds and the like are high in calories.
3. EGGS
It’s hard to believe, but eggs are bursting with vitamins. Plus, they contain all nine essential amino acids. Eggs are very versatile, which is why you should always keep some in the house. If you eat this high-protein food for lunch in a salad, you are pretty much guaranteed to avoid hunger cravings in the afternoon.
4. ONION AND GARLIC FAMILY
Onions and garlic belong to the genus Allium. A healthy, fresh diet is almost unimaginable without these two, as they are crucial for adding flavor to the food you eat.
Onions contain essential oils and sulphur-containing compounds (sulfides). This makes them not only an herb, but a medicinal plant, as well. Sulfides are phytonutrients, which are said to have many benefits for your body. For instance, they are supposed to lower your risk of cancer and protect you from bacterial diseases. Sulfides are always present in garlic.
5. POTATOES
Potatoes are a valuable source of potassium and a very low-calorie side dish. 100 g of this tuber have a mere 75 calories. Popular ways of eating them are as mashed potatoes, potato soup or homemade French fries.
Storage tip:
Potatoes keep a long time if they are stored in a dark, cool and dry place. The same goes for onions and garlic.
6. FROZEN BERRIES
Fresh berries are often rather expensive. In summer, gather a few extra blueberries or strawberries and freeze them for winter. Or buy them already frozen: the colorful berries keep many of their vitamins and minerals in the freezing process. Enjoy them in your next smoothie or stir them into your oatmeal.
7. FLAXSEEDS
Whether whole, ground or as an oil, you should always keep flaxseeds in the house. This superfood is a great source of soluble fiber, protein and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). For many people, going a day without them is unthinkable: The mucins contained within the seeds are good for your bowel health. Mix flaxseeds into smoothies and yogurt or sprinkle them over salads. But don’t forget to always drink a big glass of water when eating the seeds. Otherwise, you run the risk of constipation.
Cold-pressed flaxseed oil should never be heated and only used for cold dishes. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator.
8. DATES
The fruit of the date palm actually contains more fiber than whole grain bread, more potassium than bananas and they support your digestion. Due to their high sugar content, dates provide a quick boost of energy (especially for runners!) and thus curb their cravings for sweets. Dates also go well in shakes and brownies.
9. GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES
Spinach, kale and arugula: From now on, make sure that you always have green leafy vegetables in your refrigerator. Seasonal “green stuff” is healthy and very versatile. Mix up the ways of preparation so they don’t get boring: from green smoothies to salads and pasta to curries. Leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients and most importantly fill out your meal. That way you feel satiated without having to consume too many calories.