darebeingyou:

run-rhianna-run:

When I first started University I was so excited to start being more independent! Had absolutely everything planned out! Until I got there and had to do my first food shop.

But, what should I buy?!

If you’re the same, or if you just want some advice on what your fridge should be stocked with to ensure you stay away from the notorious ready meal then read ahead! I’ve tried to keep it as clean/healthy as possible but it’s totally adaptable to whatever you want/need :)

Fruit and veggies:

• Bananas 
• Berries (frozen berries are cheaper than fresh!)
• Apples
• Lemons (great as condiments or sliced up in hot water, too)
• Mangos
• Pineapple
• Grapes (Try freezing them as a summer snack, too!)
• Avocado
• Onions (I always have onions in my cupboard!)
• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Mushrooms

Basically any fruit or veg you like that’s in season! Click here for a great info sheet about when food is in what season!

Protein

• Chicken/turkey
• Eggs
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Cottage Cheese

Veggie/vegan protein

• Tempeh
• Tofu
• Nuts and nut butters
• Seeds
• Beans
• Quinoa
• Lentils
• Almond Milk

Grains and ‘good carbs’

• Porridge/oats
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Buckwheat
• Brown rice
• Wild rice
• Sweet potato

Any bread you want, make sure it’s brown/wholemeal at least. Ezekiel bread is also great

Fats and oils

• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• All natural nut butters (no sugar and no added salt)
• Coconut oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds

Dairy and non-dairy alternatives

(If you eat dairy, obviously)

• Greek yoghurt
• Semi-skimmed/skimmed milk
• Cottage cheese
• Organic yoghurt
• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Oat milk
• Rice milk

Legumes

• Edamame
• Black beans
• Chick peas
• Lentils
• Peanuts/peanut butter (yep, peanuts are technically a legume!)

Condiments and seasonings

• Salsa
• Tabasco sauce
• Low salt soy sauce
• Hummus
• Raw honey
• Stevia
• Apple cider vinegar
• Mixed dried herbs
• Freeze-dried basil
• Lazy garlic
• Paprika

Other necessities

• Tea/coffee
• Flour (any type you like)
• Butter/spread
• Ketchup
• Canned beans
• Canned tomatoes
• Oxo cubes
• Canned sweetcorn

Other general tips about shopping

• Keep an extra loaf of bread in the freezer just in case
• Keep a spare pint of milk in the freezer just in case
• Start a weekly food planner to make sure you’re eating healthily and saving money on your food shop
• If you’re having leftovers, it’s best not to re-heat pork, bacon or shellfish
• If you’re not vegan/veggie, buy a whole chicken and cook it. You can use the meat for several meals such as sandwiches, curries, risottos, baked potatoes, salads etc.
• Click here for a bunch of posts dedicated to help you with your shopping lists!

Part of my Student Survival Guide

[image source]

this is really helpfull!