I’m starting final year next week and, like I do every year, I did a big shop to stock up on food. So I thought I’d start with a post about healthy foods you should always have in your cupboards.

For anyone like me who doesn’t have a supermarket within walking distance to their apartment, these foods come in really handy to bulk up meals, or to make a meal themselves.

• Oats. My go to breakfast for weekday mornings is porridge. It’s so quick to make when you’re in a rush (which I usually am) and keeps you full ‘til lunchtime so you can concentrate in class or work.
• Rice, pasta, quinoa… basically whatever carbs you like to have with your meals. These will always get used up, and won’t go off if they’re dry, so you don’t have to worry about wasting them. I like to bulk buy these at the beginning of the year so I don’t run out for a while.
• Eggs. I love eggs! I think they’re the most versatile food you can have for any meal or as a snack. There are so many ways you can eat eggs; fried, boiled, poached, baked, omelette, frittata, or my personal favourite; egg muffins. Just add in whatever veg you have lying around and you’ve got yourself a meal.
• Frozen fruit and veg. These are usually relatively cheap and since they won’t go off anytime soon, you can buy a few and have a variety in the fruit a veg you eat.
• Canned vegetables. If you’re like me and don’t have much freezer space in college, canned vegetables are really handy! I try to keep some peas, corn, chopped tomatoes and a variety of beans in my cupboard to add to last minute meals, or, if you’re really stuck; you can’t go wrong with beans on toast.
• Dried lentils. These can be added to any kind of meal to stretch them further and add some protein and fibre. They cook quickly and are far cheaper and tastier than canned lentils.
• Seasoning. Basil, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Five spice, Oregano, Paprika, Pepper, Salt, Thyme. I also think garlic and ginger purees are really useful for stir fry’s and curries, but they’re not essential.
• Passata. This is just a plain tomato sauce that you can add spices and vegetables to, in order to make whatever kind of dish you want.
• Coconut milk and curry paste. Both of these are great for making a quick curry after college, just add some frozen veg and chickpeas and you’re set!
• Soy sauce. It’s essential for stir fry’s, one of the fastest dish to make and full of veg!