Food staples?

brod2296
brod2296 Posts: 6 Member
edited November 19 in Health and Weight Loss
Anyone have any recommendations on what to always keep in the fridge when trying to lose weight? (Anything at all) thanks!(:
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Replies

  • ncboiler89
    ncboiler89 Posts: 2,408 Member
    brod2296 wrote: »
    Anyone have any recommendations on what to always keep in the fridge when trying to lose weight? (Anything at all) thanks!(:

    Whatever you like to eat.
  • NikolaiImhof
    NikolaiImhof Posts: 41 Member
    Celery, carrots, cucumbers.
  • bpetrosky
    bpetrosky Posts: 3,911 Member
    edited June 2015
    You're triple posted, please pick one and ask the mods to delete the other two by clicking flag and report.

    As for fridge contents: Food, glorious food!

    Frozen vegetables are very helpful to have, and inexpensive. Broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, cauliflower help me round out meals.

    Lean meats: Chicken, pork, fish, shrimp. Eggs (I treat eggs as meat), Egg Beaters.

    Not-so-lean meats: Bacon! Sausage. Meatballs.

    Fresh veggies: bell peppers, green onions, etc.

    Starches: Bread, mashed potatoes, tortilla.

    Fruits: Apples, Plums, Clementines

    Leftovers: Anything I've prepared that I still have portions left. Anything that's there gets a post it with the portion size so I can log easily.

    Flavor: Sriracha, Salsa, gojuchang, etc.

    Treats: Ice Cream!!!! Jello. Cookies, etc.
  • KaratTrack
    KaratTrack Posts: 2 Member
    For my busy workweeks, those pre-made salad kits (I'll either get the ones with everything, or get the ones with no meat and add 3 oz of rotisserie chicken or other lean meat). For me, lots of flavor. I work a lot, so I also keep the stuff to make decent sandwiches at work in case I find myself eating dinner there. Single serving ice cream bars for treats. I can't be trusted with a container, but get a really good treat and I'm set.
  • PaulaWallaDingDong
    PaulaWallaDingDong Posts: 4,641 Member
    String cheese!
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    edited June 2015
    Whatever you like and want to eat :)

    I always keep a stock of items in each of these categories (some staple, some rotating between):
    Fridge
    Fruit (apples, pears, oranges, plums, melons, pineapple, cherries, grapes, passion fruit, mango, apricots, peach, nectarines, loquats, litchi...)
    Vegetables for eating raw (cucumber, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, rutabaga, kohlrabi, romanesco, lettuce)
    Vegetables for cooking (potatoes, sweet potato, onion, garlic, chili, parsnip, corn, celery, artichoke, squash, mushrooms, peppers...)
    Spread (liver pate, cheese, cured/smoked fish)
    Eggs (chicken, sometimes quail)
    Milk (whole milk (3.9% fat))
    Yogurt or cream cheese (Greek yogurt, Ricotta, or Mascarpone)
    Hard cheese for grating (Parmesan or Pecorino)
    Long shelf life cheese (Babybel etc)
    Dessert type cheese (Brie, Chevre, Gorgonzola...)
    Other stuff (butter, mayonnaise, mustard, pickled cucumbers (whole and sliced), maple syrup, dried fruit (apricots and dates), nut butters (peanut, almond, hazelnut, cashew), lime curd, dulce de leche, spray cream, and whatever leftovers or homemade spread (tuna or ham mayo+onion combo), cured sausage...)

    Freezer
    Fruit/berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, banana slices)
    Vegetables (green peas, green beans, edamame, mushrooms, spinach)
    Fish (salmon filet, smoked trout, crab sticks)
    Meat (pork chops, lamb chops, veal/beef chops, ground beef, ground lamb, bacon, chicken thighs or wings, duck)
    Other stuff (bread/toast, cookies, ice cream...)

    Pantry
    Crispbread
    Cereals (jasmine rice, spaghetti and other pasta, rice noodles, polenta, semolina (=cream of wheat), oatmeal, millet, tapioca, barley)
    Dry beans (red, black, white), lentils (red/orange, brown/green) and peas (green and yellow)
    Canned beans (red, black, white)
    Canned fish (sardines, kippers, tuna)
    Canned fruit (pineapple)
    Tomato paste/passata
    Nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachio, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts)
    Seeds (sesame seeds, pine nuts)
    Beef jerky (three different varieties)
    Spices (salt, pepper, chili, paprika, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, parsley, thyme, oregano, basil...)
    Other stuff (oils (olive and sunflower), soy sauce, brown sauce (HP sauce), Worcestershire sauce, tabasco, bouillon, ketchup, lemon juice, vinegar (balsamico and apple cider), coconut milk, honey, raisins, coffee, tea, cocoa...)

    Utilizing this system and keeping track, continuously refilling stock, really helps me get a healthy, balanced, tasty and varied diet. It reduces cost in the long term. Grocery shopping has become easy and enjoyable. And I love playing with my meal plan.
  • rachael00679
    rachael00679 Posts: 186 Member
    Whatever you like to eat and add in something new to try.
    I have plenty of salad greens, fetta, olives, pickles, different dressings for salads, bacon, BACON lol, eggs, tinned fruit, cream cheese, good whole egg mayo, good mustard and cream.

  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    Food!

    In our house, we pre plan our meals for the week (every day is the same) so that we know what and how much to buy. It saves money, waste, and having food we don't need.
  • comeongethealthyro
    comeongethealthyro Posts: 50 Member
    oatmeal, frozen fruit & veggies, bananas, berries, bell peppers, lettuce mixes, whole grain tortillas, whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter
  • mmcguire876
    mmcguire876 Posts: 9 Member
    For breakfast, I do either low-fat plain yogurt (1/2 - 3/4 C) with granola & cut up strawberries and/or blueberries; oatmeal with walnuts, Craisins, and fresh fruit; or a smoothie with mixed frozen fruit, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 % milk, kale & spinach. I've been on a salad kick for lunch recently: LOTS of mixed spring mix lettuce, red & orange or yellow bell peppers, Cherubs tomatoes, 1/4 C low fat feta cheese, 1/4 Craisins, 4 oz grilled chicken, sometimes a small handful of walnuts, and balsamic vinegarett dressing. Apples, carrots, nectarines, pears, etc., broccoli, cauliflower are all good for snacking on during the day.
  • rbiss
    rbiss Posts: 422 Member
    Keep some ingredients for go to meals. I always have :
    Rice
    beans
    eggs
    cheese
    onions
    veggies
    lettuce

  • rushbabe0214
    rushbabe0214 Posts: 105 Member
    Staples I always have on hand:

    eggs
    unsalted butter
    cheeses - brie, sharp cheddar, manchego
    bacon
    romaine lettuce
    chicken
    blueberries
    full-fat Greek yogurt
    protein powder
    raw almonds
    almond butter
    assorted vegetables
    Quest bars
    low-carb tortillas


  • KBmoments
    KBmoments Posts: 193 Member
    I ALWAYS have eggs handy. I also keep frozen broccoli stocked up..makes a low cal side dish that's easy to prepare.
  • shrinkingletters
    shrinkingletters Posts: 1,008 Member
    -Various dry grains, pastas, beans
    -Canned tomatoes, broth/stock, beans
    -Frozen veggies & fruits
    -Milk, eggs, butter
    -Olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, nonstick spray, various vinegars
    -onions, garlic, celery, carrots, seasonal fresh produce
    -I just buy my meat as I need it.
  • FaylinaMeir
    FaylinaMeir Posts: 661 Member
    depends on what diet you follow honestly. If you're just counting calories then stick to your favorites and eat less of them if you can have willpower, if not then rarely get them or not at all.

    ANY diet should be full of fresh fruits and veg.

  • Gska17
    Gska17 Posts: 752 Member
    I'm sure I'm repeating what others have listed. I apologize in advance.

    Eggs
    Low fat milk
    Low fat yogurt
    Several different cheeses
    Olive oil, cooking spray
    Oatmeal
    Peanut butter
    Low fat Pringles
    Cottage cheese
    Baby carrots
    Boboli thin crust, pizza sauce (for those crazy pizza cravings)
    Veggie burgers (Morning Star)
  • crzycylr
    crzycylr Posts: 78 Member
    I have cut down on sugar and simple grains. We stock up on lean proteins, yogurt, fruits and veggies. I also have stopped eating a lot of processed foods.
  • riffraff2112
    riffraff2112 Posts: 1,756 Member
    Eggs - breakfast or make a quick omelette out of almost anything
    A good whole wheat or grainy bread
    Trail mix/nuts - awesome add to many salads, or a quick meal
    Yogurt, Cottage Cheese - one of the healthiest mini meals is to combine them, I often throw nuts, or granola or even basic cereal in there to fill me up.
    Those tuna/chicken salad snacks (comes with crackers too), a mini self contained healthy snack
    Pre-Packaged salads (makes having a salad super easy)
    Artifical Crab Meat- very low in calories and high in protein (great for adding to salads/sandwiches or just snacking on)
    Lots of fruit and veggies
    Chicken breast.........can be made into dozens of awesome lunches (wraps, or salads), or dinners (add sauce, cheese, rice..)

    Hell I could survive for weeks eating nothing but this stuff.
  • salembambi
    salembambi Posts: 5,585 Member
    I always have:
    potatoes,brown basmati rice
    apples,bananas,frozen berries
    broccoli,frozen veggies,mushrooms
    canned tomatoes, veggie broth
    veggie thins,peanut butter,kernels for air popped popcorn
    beans
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    regardless of weight management goals, I keep an *kitten* load of veggies on hand...plenty of fruit...lots of lean sourced protein options...quinoa, brown rice, potatoes, legumes, lentils, and oats. Avocados are always on hand as are good cooking oils. I eat eggs like crazy.
  • EvanKeel
    EvanKeel Posts: 1,904 Member
    Pretty much the same stuff I kept when I wasn't trying to lose weight. My food preference shift pretty frequently regardless of weight loss goals, though.

    I think people just need to spend time figuring out what their preferences are (hopefully that's not too difficult?), what their maintenance looks like in terms of intake, and what combination of foods makes adhering easiest for whatever the goal may be.

    A more specific answer will require a more specific question with fewer variables.
  • lizzocat
    lizzocat Posts: 356 Member
    Here are mine:

    Eggs
    2% greek yogurt
    string cheese
    apples / bananas / berries
    quinoa / brown rice / whole wheat cous cous / sweet potatoes
    mixed greens and various veggies
    balsamic glaze
    tuna pouches / frozen salmon / frozen tuna steaks / veggie hot dogs / veggie, salmon and mahi mahi burgers
    teriyaki seaweed
    protein bars / protiein powder
  • flamingblades
    flamingblades Posts: 311 Member
    I always keep a lot of fresh berries in my fridge to make smoothies and purees with. I use the purees on cottage cheese, and in my green tea. I also keep my fridge stocked with Atkins protein shakes. I eat a lot of chicken and fish. I buy my fish fresh from the meat counter at my favorite grocery store. My Swai fish is bigger, fresher and less expensive than buying it frozen in a bag. Vegetables are great when roasted with some rosemary, garlic and other Italian seasonings (and olive oil). I get bored with steamed broccoli sometimes, so I roast it, or make stir fry. It is all tasty food and full of vitamins, and a change up can make your food fun and interesting. Good luck (-:
  • lemmie177
    lemmie177 Posts: 479 Member
    things i'm never without...

    fridge:
    string cheese (light)
    cottage cheese or greek yogurt (2%)
    prewashed salad mix (it's expensive, but I eat a LOT more salad this way)

    pantry:
    coconut oil
    olive oil
    yams/sweet potatoes
    canned fish
    canned beans
  • noel2fit
    noel2fit Posts: 235 Member
    Definitely get thyself a BIG fruit bowl for your kitchen counter, and maybe even one for work. This way they're always visible and the first thing you see when you want to snack. The rule at my house is: if you're not hungry enough to eat fruit for snack, you're not really hungry.

    Also having pre-cut veggies in the fridge makes all the difference in the world. Carrot sticks would take too long to chop? No they wouldn't... Dinner would be quicker to order out? Nope, just toss precut veggies into a pan with a chicken breast and some kind of spices/sauce. This way the excuse 'I'm busy and need convince foods' is no longer a viable one.
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  • justcat206
    justcat206 Posts: 716 Member
    I second frozen meats and veggies, fresh fruits and veggies, eggs and beans. LOTS of things you can make out of those basics. I also keep around some basic spices - and Italian mix if I'm making Italian food, a poultry mix for meats, cumin/chili powder/cilantro for mexican dishes, lemon pepper for fish, and some Indian spices. Helps me not get bored with the basic meats/veggies. And rice. Most of my dinners get dumped over a little rice for satiety.
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    My "must-haves" include carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, yogurt and eggs (along with a variety of fruit)
  • CherokeeBabe
    CherokeeBabe Posts: 1,704 Member
    edited June 2015
    My Ideal Fridge/Freezer/Pantry Staple list (I usually have at least half of this list around)

    Chicken (all kinds work, breasts, tenderloins, rib meat, thighs, etc)
    Bacon
    Occasionally Beef or Veggie Burgers
    Yogurt
    Avocados
    Tuna
    Eggs
    Cottage Cheese
    Egg Beaters
    Cheese (2-3 types, I love cheese)
    Wheat Bread
    Lettuce
    Spinach
    Lunchmeat (whatever I like that week)
    Light Mayo
    Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
    Oranges/Grapes/Bananas (depending on store sales)
    Cucumbers/Broccoli/Bell Peppers/Carrots (depending on store sales)
    Red Potatoes (They steam nicely)
    Salad Dressings
    Butter or Margarine
    No-Cal Olive Oil Cooking Spray (only for lightly coating pans)
    Coconut Oil (rarely use it, but like to have it)
    Rice
    Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
    Pasta
    Sauces
    Somewhere in my pantry is ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce and wasabi as well.
  • weird_me2
    weird_me2 Posts: 716 Member
    Well, if I go by my "frequent foods" list, it would be: boneless skinless chicken breast, 1% milk, cheddar cheese, romaine lettuce, lite sour cream, jalapeno cheddar cheese, baby spinach, whole wheat pita bread and double stuf Oreos.

    To that I would add: frozen strawberries, various other frozen fruits depending on mood, good salad dressing, spices/seasonings of all kinds, tomatoes and canned tomato products (sauce, paste, etc.), ground beef, flour tortillas, onions, broccoli, cottage cheese, various beans, cilantro, and chocolate.

    Other than that, the standard kitchen staples are always on hand - flour, sugar, butter, pasta, eggs, etc. These are used for various things and can be incorporated in to a weight loss plan.

    For someone else, I would recommend finding the things you love that fit your calorie goals and incorporating those regularly. After you figure out your basics, look to try new things to keep from getting bored, and herbs and spices can definitely be your friend when you are cutting calories because they can taken boring and ordinary to delicious.
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