Moving away from home can be hard, especially when you’ve never had to grocery shop before. Here are some key items to look for in the grocery store (that mom would approve) to help ease you into learning to feed yourself.
1. Avocados
Why: Avocados provide many nutritional benefits such as contributing to you intake of potassium, fiber, healthy fats and even lower your risk of heart disease! Along with its benefits, avocados are filling and won’t have you searching for that bag of chips after you’ve had your fill of healthy fats.
Recipes:
Avocado Toast
Avocado Smoothie
2. Yogurt
Why: Yogurt contains probiotics which are good for digestion and immune function, as well as providing nutrients such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. Eating yogurt with active cultures also balances the vaginal pH which reduces the risk of vaginal infections. Yogurt is also a delightful compliment to other breakfast foods such as fruit or granola.
Recipes:
Parfait
Mango Lassi
3. Fruit
Why: Fruits contain essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, potassium and fiber. The sugar and fiber from fruits will give you a long lasting energy boost to help get you through your morning and that mid-afternoon slump!
Recipes:
Smoothie Bowl
Fruit Salad
Fresh Juice
4. Granola
Why: The fiber you get from granola acts as a digestive aid to help regulate your gastrointestinal system. Granola is also a light but filling snack that gives you an energy boost by providing manganese to your body!
Recipes:
Granola Cereal
Breakfast Bar
5. Chia Seeds
Why: Chia seeds are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and protein and omega-3 fatty acids to get you through the day. This tiny superfood is easy to add to any meal or can be made into a pudding and eaten as dessert!
Recipes:
Chia Seed Pudding
Lemon Poppy Seed Chia Loaf
6. Whole Wheat Bread/Bagels
Why: Whole wheat products provide fiber to give you energy throughout the day, regulates the bowels and promotes gastrointestinal health. Plus you’re going to need some kind of base for the avocado toast and fruit jams!
Recipes:
Toast with Spread
Breakfast Sandwich
7. Spinach
Why: Spinach provides protein, iron, vitamins and minerals which contribute to bone health and reduces the risk of diabetes. Spinach is actually a very tasty superfood, (contrary to its reputation as a food of distain among children) and can be used in many creative recipes!
Recipes:
Green Smoothie
Quiche
Omelette