Making a list of basic foods, help?

JaclynSturm

Hey, guys!

I'm still new to eating nutritiously, and i've let living with two roommates hold me back. I've made a shopping list of basic things to keep in the house for some basic recipes or just for things to whip together for a quick meal or snack, and i wanted to see if there was anything i may be missing. My goal here is versatility and affordability, since money, unfortunately, is tight. My list thus far:

Peppers
Onions
Leafy Greens
Cucumber
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Red Potatoes
Broccoli
Garlic
Asparagus

Hummus
Lemon/Lime juice
Tortillas/Wraps
Tortilla chips
Salsa
Tuna

Lemon
Mint
Apple
Pineapple
Raspberry
Blackberry

We always have a supply of Chicken, and i'm thinking of adding ground turkey for things like Meatloaves and such.

Anything you guys can think to add?

Thank you so so much!!

PopeyeCT

No chips.

Most anything in the fruit and vegetable area is fair game. It's really just whatever you like to eat. But you can't buy most of that stuff and just keep it around the house. You need to buy 2 or 3 days worth at a time so it's always fresh.

Suggestions:
- Sara Lee low cal bread. 45 cal per slice is less than half of most other breads.
- Sandwhich thins. 100cal. use instead of buns for your turkey burgers.
- Horshradish + Sugar Free Ketchup makes great cocktail sauce.
- Horshradish + light mayo makes tartar sauce.

Why no lettuce or spinich?

gaelowyn_pt_duex

i'd add zucchini. I spiralize it and use it in place of pasta. very filling, healthy and fewer calories. I also put taco meat on it make taco "boats". Fresh leafy greens like bib/green/red leaf lettuce, romaine, kale, spinach. watermelon, strawberries.
condiments like spicy mustard and olive oil based mayo(half the cals and reduced fat compared to reg mayo and no funny "lite" taste).

Lean pork cuts for protein as well, lean steak cuts. Fish, shellfish too.
I'd add brown rice and whole grain pasta. I don't like whole wheat- so I get the kind that's a blend. some folks love quinoa. I've had it at a restaurant and it was ok- I tried to make it and it tasted like dirt. literally like chewing dirt. 100% whole grain breads-

I personally prefer to "spend" my calories on smaller sizes of something that is "real". Try to cut down on processed stuff. Processed low fat foods add sugar or propylene glycol(check your low fat dressing label!) which to me adds BITTER taste. And I won't get started on how fake sweeteners such as sucralose(splenda) and nutrasweet are awful for you. again- smaller "real" food amounts than massive fake foods that are lowfat/lowcal/no sugar. JMHO.
Good luck! I know a properly stocked pantry and freezer really helps!