Every week when I’m building my grocery list there are always items I need for my weekly meal plan as well as my top 12 staple items. Some are healthy, some not so much. Personally, I would go crazy eating completely healthy 100% of the time. These top 12 staple items are items I use to put together meals throughout the week and that I’m usually always eating.
1. Frozen Shrimp
I like eating chicken, turkey and other meats but I don’t really like the whole preparation of cooking with them. Washing my hands 10 million times and making sure the counters and other dishes don’t get contaminated isn’t my cup of tea. I like using frozen shrimp because it’s an easy way to get my protein in and it’s also quick to cook. My favorite ways to use them are in pasta, tacos & fajitas. All are pretty quick (and super delicious) to make!
2. Berries
I eat berries everyday, so they are definitely always on my list. Usually it’s strawberries and blueberries, but when raspberries & blackberries are in season those are favorites of mine as well! I’m always topping my oatmeal with them and mixing them up in yogurt.
3. Pasta
When I’m cooking for myself I make white pasta so that’s what I’ll usually buy. Depending on what I’m making that week I’ll go with rotini, shells or linguine. Spaghetti I’ll usually have whole wheat. For some reason I’m kind of picky about what pasta I’ll have whole wheat, not sure why. I’m a weirdo. I make pasta at least once a week, pasta bakes are my favorite for busy weeks.
4. Pizza Dough
I’m not picky about what kind of pizza dough I buy. I have been loving whole wheat pizza dough lately, though. Every week or so I make a pizza to last through the week for lunch or dinners and it’s fun to switch the toppings each time and have a quick meal to grab. My favorite pizza toppings right now are turkey pepperoni, mozzarella, spinach, red pepper flakes minced garlic and Italian spices.
5. Canned Pumpkin
I use canned pumpkin every time I make oatmeal, so this is definitely a pantry staple. I also use it occasionally for baking as well.
6. Cheeeeeese
I’m always using cheddar cheese for egg sandwiches, pasta bakes, tacos, etc. I also get mozzarella and parmesan every time for pizza, pasta, etc.
7. Diet Dr. Pepper
I’ll admit it, I.love.soda. It’s one of my goals this year to cut back on the soda a bit, though. I don’t really drink it when I go out to restaurants but I drink it way too much at home.
8. Oats
I make oatmeal almost everyday so obviously this is one of my must-haves. My favorite toppings lately: pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, strawberries, blueberries, vanilla extract, pecans, peanut butter. Yum.
9. Canned diced tomatoes
I love using canned diced tomatoes in chili, pasta sauces, soup, everything! I go through at least a big can of this every week. It’s great to have to make a homemade meal when you’re short on time.
10. Bread- sourdough and whole wheat for sandwiches
I am a huge bread lover. I like having sourdough on hand to have with pasta or on the side of a meal and whole wheat for sandwiches. One of my other favorite breads is a whole wheat sourdough with walnuts. It’s as amazing as it sounds.
11. Greek Yogurt
I always have Greek yogurt in the fridge. Usually I like to have the mini packs for grab & go breakfasts when I have to get going early in the morning, but I do sometimes buy the larger containers because it’s cheaper. My favorite brand is Chobani, I’m obsessed with the pineapple, lemon, pomegranate and peach flavors.
12. Frozen Trader Joe’s Meals
TJ’s has the most fantastic frozen meals. I have seriously loved everything I’ve tried from there and it’s so convenient to heat something up quickly on nights where you have 5 minutes to cook dinner. I’m actually having one for dinner tonight!
Question:
What are your top 12 staple items?
