BE SHELF AWARE
From tasty nut butters to root ginger, LIZ CONNOR asks healthy eating experts for their store cupboard essentials
NUTRITIONISTS and dieticians are in the business of giving advice. From making sure we understand how to get our essential vitamins and minerals, to translating the latest research into digestible information, it’s their job to tell us about what we should be eating to support our health and wellbeing.
But what about their own day-to-day diets?
The reality is, most food experts are busy people, just like us – but they know how to utilise quick and easy store cupboard staples that pack in a lot of health-boosting benefits.
Curious about what those things are? We asked some of the UK’s top healthy eating pros to share the one store cupboard staple that would make their desert island list, and why they’re great for your health. You might want to pop some of these in your shopping trolley.
JENNA HOPE
@jennahopenutrition “MY go-to cupboard staple is chickpeas, as they’re the key component to my favourite food – hummus. “They have a long shelf life, they’re cheap, and can be added to soups, stews, curries, bolognese, or used as pie topping as an alternative to potato. I also roast them with paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil and chilli, to make the perfect crunchy mid-afternoon snack.
“They’re great for your health as they’re rich in plant-based protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates, iron and calcium. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen around the body and maintaining energy, whilst calcium is pivotal for bone health and fluid balance.”
LUCINDA MILLER
@naturedockids
“MY go-to food cupboard ingredient is almond butter. It’s full of calcium, as well as protein, healthy fats and fibre. There are so many different ways to enjoy it, but I usually add a teaspoon or two to my porridge, or I’ll slather it on toast with sliced banana and blueberries at breakfast time. I also use it to make creamy salad dressings. I find it makes my meals much more filling and delicious.”
LILY SOUTTER
@lily-soutternutrition
“ONE of my favourite cupboard essentials is pesto.
It’s a go-to ingredient for me because it’s delicious and versatile – but as with all things, pesto is healthy in moderation. Thanks to ingredients like basil and garlic, pesto is packed full of heart-friendly vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. I like to use pesto in lots of different types of dishes, such as an alternative ingredient to tomato sauce in pasta dishes.
“Tomato can be a trigger for those who suffer with heartburn, as it can cause the stomach to produce excess gastric acid, which can result in a painful burning sensation in the chest. If this sounds like you, it’s always best to choose a lighter ingredient like pesto, if you are trying to curb those symptoms but still want to enjoy your favourite pasta dish. Pesto can also be a great pizza topping, or a substitute for mayonnaise.”