Basic staple foods...

CNParker

Help me out with some healthy staple foods. I love all foods, veggies, meat, fruits, beans, dairy, ect. I just need a jump start to a healthy grocery shopping list. I want to get into a leaner meaner diet. Completely processed food free. What are some suggestions?

mimaduck83

ok, some things I have in my cupboard:

- dried bean, pulses etc, NOT canned (too much salt)
- pasta
- rice
- spices
- meat free sausage mix (the only processed type food I have in the cupboard)
- canned tomatoes

I think you can eat healthier if you plan ahead. Bit like logging your food on here, if you plan the meals for the week you might find it easier to shop...and spend less money (now I need to follow my own advice!)

Hope that helps!

SunshineKisses_2012

Bump! I am planning my next two weeks and am looking for ideas as well!

garlic7girl

Apples, salad greens, baby carrots, soy/almond/cow milk, eggs, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, low-fat cheese of your choice ex feta cheese, during winter I like frozen greens, spinach, kale, corn, peas, broccoli, zucchini, mixed vegetables, and frozen fruit like strawberries, blueberries and cherries. Potatoes: yukon red or sweet, onions, squash, tomatoes etc
Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, barley, canned tomatoes, beans( black, pinto, cannelini, navy, kidney), canned tuna, olive oil and different types of vinegars to make own vinaigrettes, dijon mustard, any condiments you like (soy sauce, hummus, peanut butter etc)
If you like bread get fresh baked. Cereal with high fiber, oatmeal, healthy granola bars , popcorn, nuts all kinds sunflower seeds and don't forget all the herbs and spices! These make food taste good. Now not sure what sugar you like. I use stevia.
Of course, all the lean meats and fish you like.

capriciousmoon

I could use some idea too.

- oatmeal
- two types of fruit (for breakfast and lunch)
- whole wheat bread
- sandwich filling (lunch meat or natural pb)

For dinners I would get some sort of meat or fish (planning 4 oz per meal), steamer bags of mixed vegetables, and sweet potatoes.

brooke4fitness

I've been adjusting my diet to be healthier too. Some of my staples now:
yogurt
baby spinach
veggies for stir fry with eggs, or pasta, or rice
almond milk (comes in chocolate too)
oats for oatmeal
almonds
extra virgin olive oil
tortilla wraps (high fiber multi-grain ones)
low cal-high fiber cereal like Kashi go lean
low salt crackers
smoked salmon
all types of berries
canned pumpkin (great in oatmeal with cinnamon & brown sugar, tastes like pumpkin pie!)
variety of fresh fruits

havalinaaa

I keep my pantry stocked with:

wild rice/brown rice blends (I really like the lundberg brand)
quinoa
bulgar
sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds and tahini
beans of various types - garbonzo, black, pinto, cranberry
whole wheat flour
nut butters
olive, sesame, sunflower, grape seed, and peanut oils
no salt added canned tomatoes

In the fridge or fruit basket I have:

seasonal fruit, right now it's apples and pears, some citrus
onions
potatoes
garlic
lettuce
various herbs

In the freezer I always have a good selection of frozen berries and vegetables. I buy local meat (mostly poultry and pork, some beef) in bulk when it's on sale and freeze that too.

There's lots of 'crap' foods in my pantry as well, I just don't cook them more than once or twice a week. These foods include couscous, vigo yellow rice, whole wheat pasta, even boxes of mac n cheese and a can or two of ravioli. I'm only human and I can't make everything all the time! I rely heavily on pre-made breads and wraps, though I prefer to make my own. A good selection of dried herbs and spices is also worthwhile.

TXBlonde81

I'm trying to mentally go through my refrigerator right now. I think these are the ones I use most often:

carrots
grapes
pears/apples
banana
broccoli slaw
lettuce
cucumbers
onions

yogurt
pudding
light salad dressing
egg beaters

fish
chicken
canned tuna

oatmeal
peanut butter
various frozen vegetables
spaghetti
canned crushed tomatoes
rotel
cream of chicken/celery/etc soup (lowest fat possible)


diet coke (for cooking chicken in slow cooker)

sweetxsour35

- Apples, oranges, and bananas.
- Walnuts and cashews (covered in dark chocolate sometimes, it really depends)
- Peanut butter & jelly sandwich with reduced sugar jelly.
- Chicken!
- Lean beef
- Pickles
- Romaine lettuce
- Steamfresh veggies like corn and green beans
- Potatoes, usually red-skinned

sweetyourock

My Favorite things to have on hand...
Lots of veggies: spinach, leafy greens, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, squash, mushrooms (esp. portobello), carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes. asparagus, broccoli the list goes on and on (and depends on what is in season)
Lots of lean meats: fish (esp salmon), chicken, ground turkey etc
Other sources of protein: eggs or egg whites, nuts (almonds, pine nuts, pistachios etc.) and beans (lentils, black eyed peas, pinto beans, black beans, chickpeas etc. etc.)
Good Carbs: whole wheat pastas, whole wheat/whole grain bread and pitas, tortillas etc. and brown rice
Fruit: berries, bananas, grapes, pears, apples, grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes (to add flavor to dishes)
Honey
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Low sodium soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar (and other things you might use in sauces, marinades or dressings)
Lots of herbs and spices for flavor