10 foods to always have at home

After a long day at work it can be all too tempting to reach for the takeaway menu at home. But if you’re always well-stocked with these healthy items, cooking a simple meal won’t seem like too much.

1. Lentils

Throw them in a salad, use them to bulk out your pasta sauce or casserole, or add them to a hearty soup. Lentils are a good source of fibre and protein to fill you up, and can be used in so many different ways.

2. A good selection of herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are the trick to adding delicious flavour to all your foods, without using lots of sugary, packaged condiments. Chilli flakes, basil, rosemary, cumin, coriander and cinnamon are all great to have on hand.

3. Olive oil

Olive oil has more ‘good fats’ than coconut oil and is also lower in saturated fats. For many, it comes down to the flavour you prefer to cook with. Olive oil provides the basis of many great recipes.

4. Tinned tomatoes

A component of so many quick, easy and healthy recipes. You’ll never be stuck for ideas with these in your pantry.

5. Wholemeal pasta

With nearly three times the fibre of traditional pasta, wholemeal varieties will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

6. Frozen veggies

If the carrots in the cooler are looking a little limp, at least you know you’ll always have a vegetable hit on hand when they’re in the freezer.

7. Tinned tuna

This is the perfect companion to your tinned tomatoes, veggies and wholemeal pasta. It’s low in fat, while being high in protein, vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids.

8. Brown rice

This type of rice retains more nutrients than white rice, so it’s a much healthier alternative. Many people also prefer the flavour.

9. Free range eggs

Boiled or poached eggs for breakfast are a super healthy way to start your day, and many recipes call for eggs as a binding ingredient.

10. Natural or Greek yoghurt

This is another staple that can be used across all meal types. It’s perfect with some fruit in the morning, or as a substitute for mayo and sour cream to lower the calorie and fat content of a recipe.