My Essential Shopping List!

Hi guys! Dylan here.

Today I’m going to talk to you about my favourite go-to foods for anyone that’s trying to improve their general health and well-being, or to anyone who doesn’t know where to start when they walk into a supermarket.

A lot of people out there, me included, simply head into a supermarket with no plan in place and end up walking out with 20 bags of sweets, crisps, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good treat like the rest of you out there but I feel it’s also important to know how to provide your body with the right foods to get you through your day.

Below you will find 10 of my go-to foods I pick up when doing my weekly shop.

(On that note, I do appreciate that not everyone out there eats meat, so you may not agree with some of these foods.)

My golden rule when food shopping: do NOT go shopping when you are hungry, I’m sure everyone has done it at some point and we all know how that ends up. Hello trolley full of shite ha!

1. Lean beef

High in protein, iron and zinc. Look in your local butchers for extra lean mince where it can be up to 95% lean. I find beef easy to eat compared to chicken sometimes and it can also be used to make a lot of different meals. One of my favourite foods.

2. Oatmeal

Great for first thing in the morning to boost your energy levels for the coming day. Very filling and provides your body with the nutrients it needs.This very slow-digesting carb keeps blood sugar and insulin levels low, so fat burning can stay high.

Try adding bits of fruit/honey/cinnamon for added flavour and some flax seed too for your digestive system. I know Sue loves flax seed and it really helps with her digestion.

3. Sweet Potato 

I presume you’ve all heard that sweet potato is good for you, (not to mention a healthy substitute for potatoes when you’re on your weight loss journey.) They’re also a perfect carbohydrate full of beta carotene, a hefty dose of iron, and a plentiful shot of vitamins C and E.

I don’t particularly like the texture of them but that’s just me, however I do love making sweet potato fries. I cut the potato into fine strips and add some paprika to them and cook them in the oven. Very tasty.

4. Blueberries 

Of all the fruit you can eat, blueberries are up there with the best.

Whether you’re getting them raw, tossed into cereal, mixed in fruit salad or a smoothie, blueberries pack more fibre, vitamins, and minerals per ounce than any other fruit. I add these to my oatmeal for breakfast, or in a healthy smoothie.

5. Water

Not a food, I know, but even still, it’s hugely important. Water could be the best ally you will have when fighting body fat. Studies have shown that drinking 2 cups of cold water can boost metabolic rate by up to 30%. It has been estimated that drinking about 2 cups of cold water before breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for a year can burn 17,400 extra calories, which translates into a little more than 5 pounds of body fat!

TIP: We have being buying bottled water as Sue doesn’t really like tap water but I just invested in a water filter from Super Value yesterday for just under €20 and I have to say I can’t believe I haven’t invested in one since now. I can already notice how much more water both of us are drinking. Try invest in one if you can.

6. Nut Butters 

These are a source of helpful mono-unsaturated fat that can actually aid fat loss. Try sticking with natural peanut butters and other nut butters (almond, cashew, etc) that don’t add the type of fat you surely want to avoid – trans fats. It also aids in sugar cravings. I like to have some on rice cakes or mixed into my smoothie.

Tip: Try Bodyfirst.ie clontarf/malahide  for their amazing Meridian nut butters.

PS: Mention SoSueMe and you will get a cheeky discount 😉

7. Spices

These are the single best thing that will you keep you on track in terms of diet. Add them to any meal for instant flavour. Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse then a boring dry chicken breast with no flavour. I personally get my spices from Lidl. A few favourites include paprika, chilli flakes, cinnamon, and garlic flakes.

8. Almonds

Great for snacking on and a good source of fat. Have them in your car or at your desk in work.

9. Chicken breasts

Chicken is the key ingredient in most meals I make. Loaded with protein and other less-celebrated nutritional gems, this white-meat wonder is convenient, versatile and low-in-fat. Just add a few spices and it will be the key to staying on track with your diet.

10. Turkey Burgers

Another favourite of mine. A lovely alternative to beef burgers. Turkey burgers are high in protein and low in fat.

Tip: Try the Evolution Fitness turkey burgers from Kerrrigans butchers. You won’t be disappointed 🙂

11. Greens

There are no two ways about it, if it’s health and energy you’re after, greens are a vital part of a diet. They’re also very weight-loss friendly, so load up on them at dinner, and when making your smoothies, try to stick to green smoothies in particular.

Some healthy greens to put in the shopping basket include, spinach, cucumber, kale, broccoli, avocado, green pepper, cauliflower, lentils, artichoke, and cabbage.

Happy shopping!

Dylan