This weeks topic is based on something I get asked about almost every week. “What is your usual shopping list like?” It’s nice to se what other people tend to reach for and then try to make similar choices for yourself. I constantly share my shopping choices on snap chat (Leanneacmoore) but I’m going to recap here today too. Here are the things that are in my trolly each week. You won’t go far wrong stocking up with this lot.
Proteins:
Lean Steak, Chicken, Turkey, Eggs, Fish (Salmon, Hake and Cod are my favourites), Cheese, Kidney Beans, Lentils. Other meats are of course a good protein source too but can be a little fattier. I would always have a tub of 100% Whey protein in the press to add to my protein intake too. At the moment I have the Maxi Nutrition tub in chocolate flavour. But I also love the Optimum Nutrition and Kinetica brands. Greek yoghurt is another thing always on my list. I like the Liberte, Glenisk and Fage brands.
Vegetables:
These are what I class as “free foods”. Foods I add to EVERYTHING.
Broccoli, Peppers, Courgettes ( use courgette a lot throughout the week) , Cauliflower, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic, Green Beans, Mangetout, Bean Sprouts, Sprouted Mung Beans, Aubergine, Carrots, Mini Sweet Corn, Asparagus.
I also buy a bag of frozen vegetables just to have in case I need it throughout the week. Sure I prefer to try and have fresh veg, but it’s good to have a healthy fallback. Other items then would include tinned tomatoes and tomato puree for making certain dinner dishes.
Good Carbs:
Sweet Potato, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Gluten Free Oats, Basmati Rice and Butternut Squash would be my favourites and I love using oats to whizz into flour for pancakes or baking. Don’t forget fruits are also a source of carbohydrates. I usually opt for the following: Apples, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Lemons, Limes, Bananas. As an exercise for yourself it’s good to become familiar with fruits and their sugar. The are massively important in the diet for your micronutrients – vitamins and minerals. I add a bag of frozen mixed berries weekly too for my slushee/smoothies. I love them extra cold! Lastly I also always have either a gluten free brown bread or pittas in the freezer and I defrost as I toast to eat. My favourite meal of the day is my toast with avocado and egg. I also always tend to buy The Happy Pear Granola. For springing on yoghurt and fruit.
Healthy Fats:
Raw Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Brazil, Walnuts), Avocado, Almond Butter, Coconut Oil, Organic Peanut Butter or Almond Butter. There are so many tasty nut butters available now. My main concern is that you choose one with no added extras. Sugar and oils are added to so many making them far more calorific so check your labels and remember with heathy fats – you need them daily – but apply moderation.
Spices:
Cayenne Pepper, Chilli powder, Himalayan Pink Salt, Cumin, Tumeric – I literally add spices to everything for flavour. Stock up and get adventurous!!
Other:
85% Dark Chocolate, Rice Cakes (GF), Coffee, Green Tea, Almond Milk (unsweetened), Crackers (GF), Unsalted Butter, Quest Protein Bars, Fulfil Protein Bars.
Rice cakes and crackers are technically carbs but they have a high GI which means they break down far quicker in the body and are not very filling. I usually opt to have them as a snack with nut butter and banana or with mashed avocado to add a little substance. The dark chocolate has a lower sugar content than milk chocolate and just a square or two can really hit the spot when you fancy something sweet.
Remember it’s NOT about dieting. You HAVE to find things you like to eat and enjoy to eat in order for it to be sustainable. Yes I 100% agree that eating fresh and healthy foods can cost a little more week to week. But by filling your body full of goodness yo may just end up saving a lot more in the long run.
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See you there,
Leanne