Wholefoods and healthy eating shopping lists

C.W

I've joined a few facebook groups and such which give recipes to try and what not, but I'm still very new on my journey to make my diet of the wholefoods variety.

I'm essentially running with the concept that you should have very few ingredients in anything you buy pre-packed (and you should be able to pronounce them). That it shouldn't contain anything artificial, and so on.

The easiest thing really is to just buy lots of fruit, veg and healthy grains and beans. This can be pretty dull when you don't know what to do with it. I've found a few fab recipes to try but does anyone have anymore ideas on what a beginner's shopping list should look like?

I have no allergies or special dietary requirements, that I know of. And I'm open to trying most things but essentially it needs to be tight budget friendly, suitable for one person (or can be easily stored/frozen to avoid wastage), and can be prepared in small pockets of time and suitable for reheating at work or eating as is on a journey.

Gigervamp

Have a look at A Girl Called Jack's blog. Her recipes are frugal and usually for two people (she had only herself and little boy to feed).
She also has a book out, so you could check that out at the library.

It's a good idea to start building a stock cupboard of basic things, such as herbs and spices, flour, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes and pulses/beans.

Edwardia

First off, you have to be clear on your own definition of Wholefood and the things it excludes, because otherwise you'll get responses which might not be helpful.

If the basic idea is to eat a *clean* diet, that will exclude processed foods. Not just ready meals and takeaways but also things like sliced bread, pasta and couscous - all of which are highly processed.

Eating additive free isn't necessarily more expensive, but does involve more label-reading. Plain pork chops in one store may have added water and three additives, which another store's meat won't have - for the same price.

tori.k

I've had great success with recipes from https://www.theironyou.com/ and https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating/ what a fantastic goal you have, best of luck

redfox

we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

C.W

Gigervamp wrote: »

Have a look at xx blog. Her recipes are frugal and usually for two people (she had only herself and little boy to feed).
She also has a book out, so you could check that out at the library.

It's a good idea to start building a stock cupboard of basic things, such as herbs and spices, flour, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes and pulses/beans.

I should have remembered to subscribe to this thread as I thought noone had responded... silly me.

Thank you for the suggestion - I will check it out! I am already part way there then as I do have a pretty decent selection of herbs and spices (dried) which I do use a fair bit. I also have dried goods like beans, some pulses and have just started adding things like quinoa and bulgur wheat. Just a case of working out the best things that I can make use of...

Thank you again

C.W

Edwardia wrote: »

First off, you have to be clear on your own definition of Wholefood and the things it excludes, because otherwise you'll get responses which might not be helpful.

If the basic idea is to eat a *clean* diet, that will exclude processed foods. Not just ready meals and takeaways but also things like sliced bread, pasta and couscous - all of which are highly processed.

Eating additive free isn't necessarily more expensive, but does involve more label-reading. Plain pork chops in one store may have added water and three additives, which another store's meat won't have - for the same price.

Ideally I would like to avoid MOST (if not all) processed foods. I don't currently feel that breads or couscous are harmful in moderation, though that may change as I research more.

Currently I'm just trying to work with the idea that if I can make it at home, I should. Especially if I can make it with fewer ingredients. Time and money are big factors, but the biggest problem is I don't have a food processor and many of the recipes I've seen require one (tried not using one and it hasn't been so successful).

I think the step at the moment is just incorporating as much of the *clean* foods as I realistically can, within my current budget. If that grows, I can then look at improving my foods choices also. Work with what you have, right?

Thank you for the response!

C.W

tori.k wrote: »

I've had great success with recipes from xx and xx what a fantastic goal you have, best of luck

Thank you very much, and thank you for the suggestions!

C.W

redfox wrote: »

we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the ) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware I was posting in the wrong forum...

Lilyplonk

Welcome to the Oldstyle Section, CW - good to see you and I'm certain you'll get lots of replies on here.

I'm sure there's no such thing as 'the wrong forum' - just that the Board Guides have a pretty good idea which forums get the best answers for particular types of questions.

'The Oldstylers' are well-known for their resourcefulness and knowledge of tasty and nutritious food .

FairyPrincessk

OP, on the food processor, you might try picking one up from a repro shop (we got a nice one for little money that was ex display that way--was missing a few bits but had all we needed). You can also get cheap models in some supermarkets or at argos.

I don't have a suggestion for a go to source for recipes or a store cupboard list, but in my own similar quest I've found that that most important thing is a way to keep records. I keep track of what quantities of dry goods (bulgar, rice, beans, lentils etc) we use on average in a term. I also keep track of the recipes I've tried and make notes on ways to improve them etc. i use Pinterest for the recipes and just make comments to let myself know what has worked etc. I tend to look at Pinterest when I meal plan and make my shopping list each week so I don't miss out fresh ingredients. Dry stores are bought 2-3 times a year based on the quantities we use.

Until you know what you like and what works with your lifestyle, it may take some trial and error before you have your own list of foods. Keep hanging around the OS boards, you'll find lots of resources here!