But wait why I should? Because there’re numerous benefits of adding more fruit and vegetables to our diet, including loosing weight, controlling blood sugar, better digestion, having less cholestrol diet etc. We know that we probably should be eating more fruit and vegetables. But you might be thinking how can I add more veg and fruit diet?
Have you been doing it? If you’re anything like most of us the answer is probably “no” and at best “maybe”. We all know we should do it, even if we don’t necessarily agree with the “5-a-day” principle.
It’s quite easy to fall into that pattern especially if you have a full working week to contend with and/or children to look after.
How Can I Do More Veg And Fruit Diet?
But in any case, the fact is the more fruit and veg we can squeeze in the better. So what are the best ways to eat more fruit and vegetables without having to put too much effort in?
You’re in luck as we’ve put together the list of the top 3 best ways to eat more for veg and fruit diet:
1 – Make More One-Pan Dishes
One of the easiest way to eat more vegetables regularly is to do more one-pan dishes and chuck as many in as possible.
So for example you could do stir-fried noodles and chicken or prawns then throw in just about any vegetable that takes your fancy – sweetcorn, peas, peppers, spinach, mushrooms.
The choices are considerable and you get to throw all of them into one dish. Not only will it be tasty ? (when cooked right of course) but you have the added benefit of getting your 5-a-day without too much effort.
As well as one-pot dishes like stir fried noodles and rice you could also look at throwing in a whole bunch of veg into a oven tray and then topping it with olive oil and seasoning. This makes a great accompaniment to most dishes and is another easy way to get your daily quota.
2 – Get Your Soup On
How Can I Add More Veg And Fruit Diet?: Soup Up
We’re particularly fond of making soup as a way to get more veg into your diet as it’s so easy. With most soups all you need to do is peel the vegetables, boil them in some water, mix in your favourite seasoning and then blend it all together.
What makes this an effective way to get more veg in your diet is the fact you can combine lots of different vegetables for great tasting soups whilst getting you maximum nutrition. For example one of our favourite recipes combines butternut squash, sweet potatoes, onion and garlics. With a recipe like this it’s quite easy to experiment and add in your own variations for example spinach or ginger.
What makes soup so effective and convenient is the fact you can easily make a large amount and freeze some of it to use when you don’t have time to make dinner or can’t think of how to work in a healthy option into the mix.
3 – Start Juicing
One of our favorite ways to get more natural fruit into diets is to start juicing. Making your own juice is a great way to ensure you get the nutrients and vitamins you need. In addition when you start it’s very likely you will give up or, at the very least, reduce the processed juice you may be consuming.
In a similar fashion to soup, it’s very easy to make large quantities of juice and keep some for a few days to use when you have less time.
Another reason why we’re big fans of juicing is that you can easily rack up your 5-a-day quota on a juice recipe. For example apple, ginger, carrots and spinach combine to make a very tasty and nutritious juice.
4- Eat Raw Vegetables and Fruit
Even though we advised above, one way to increase intake of Fruits and Vegetables is “Juicing“. We would still recommend, its better to eat raw fruits and vegetables than to extract juice. This is because when you drink juice you throw away all the fibre of fruit or veggie and drinking more concentrated version of Fruits which has high sugar.
If you’re Type 2 Diabetic, you should avoid juicing and increase intake of raw fruits and vegetables, you’ll feel more full, less hungry and fibre will also help in digestion. While Apple juice is delicious but eating raw Apple will give you more nutrients, fibre and keep you feel full for more time.
5 – Blending For Veg and Fruit Diet to Make a Delicious Smoothie
Blending is another way to increase fruit and veg intake. While juicing has more concentrated nutrients per ounce, you’ll be leaving fibre out of the game. If you’ve a problem of digestion, like constipation, its far better to eat raw fruits and vegetables or blend them and drink a smoothie. There are important compounds found in the pulp. You can check few delicious and innovative smoothie ideas here as well as check this link to find some quick and healthy veg and fruit diet with smoothie recipes.
While some people don’t like the taste, you can add honey, yogurt and nuts to make it more tasteful and nutritious. We would suggest consider blending and make a smoothie out of fruit and veg next time and tell us how do you like it?
Conclusion: How Can I Add More Veg And Fruit Diet?
These are just some of the ways you can use to get more veg and fruit diet but there are lots of others. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these ideas and any others you’ve tried.
Juicing at home feels like it is now more popular than ever. But is home juicing good for you?
Is Home Juicing Good For You?
With the advent of healthier diets as well as plant-based eating plans, juicing has never been more popular. But if you’re unsure whether home juicing is good for you, take a look at 10 reasons why you should consider it.
1 – Great Way To Get Your 5-A-Day
Juicing is one of the quickest and healthiest ways you can reach your 5-a-day for fruit and vegetables. Eating your 5-a-day has been shown to have significant health benefits.
2 – Introduce Lots of Variety To Your Diet
With often little time to spare in the mornings before the start of a busy day, breakfast can get dull and repetitive. Having a juicing machine ensures that you can easily switch up your breakfast options with little effort as you can throw in whatever you have in the fruit and vegetable compartment to make delicious juices.
3 – Save Money
In addition to the undoubted health benefits, juicing could mean you are saving a substantial amount every month as you avoid paying for expensive fresh juice when you’re out. Instead all you have to do is ensure your fridge is stocked with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables of all shapes and sizes.
4 – Motivation To Improve Your Overall Health and Fitness
Taking on one new habit could easily lead you to find others. Making your own fresh juice could very well encourage you to see what other foods and drinks you could improve on. For example you might decide to up your vegetable intake with your meals.
5 – A Healthy Way To Snack
Getting yourself a juicer may be one of the healthiest ways to snack available. Snacking can get a bad rap at times because it can be so easy to reach for junk food for convenience. Having a juicer means you always have the option of giving some fruit and vegetables a quick blitz to satisfy your hunger. If you make enough in the morning as your day starts you could always carry some with you in a reusable bottle wherever you go.
6 – Healthy Boost Of Energy
With juicing you can easily pack your glass full of natural nutrients and vitamins. These will help to give you a healthy boost of energy whenever you need it. Unlike snacking on a chocolate bar or a high-processed sugar drink, juicing provides you with a natural option for getting that morning or afternoon kick you need to be at your best.
7 – Detox Your System
For many people, juicing is a perfect way to cleanse the body. Fruit and vegetables can often contain antioxidants. These help to flush out waste and bacteria in your digestive system that can be difficult for your body to process.
8 – They Taste Delicious
This should probably no’ 1 on the list – juices taste delicious! You can easily put together simple recipes for great tasting and nutritious beverages. The best part is unlike when you turn up at the counter of a juice bar, you select exactly what you want in your juice. Your only limit is your imagination and your recipe collection!
9 – Faster Nutrient Absorption
When fruits and vegetables are broken down into liquid form it makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb the nutrients meaning they get to work faster whilst giving your system less of a work-out.
10 – Juice Is Hydrating
Taking in your recommended amount of water every day can be a challenge. And also quite boring at times. Juicing is a great way to keep hydrated throughout the day. It’s is also a better alternative than coffees and sodas which can be easy to reach for and typically leave you more dehydrated.
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Delonghi have quite the catalogue of bean to cup coffee makers and two of the most notable could have you deciding between the Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica. Delonghi is a brand known for its excellent line of bean to cup coffee makers, and two of its most notable offerings are the Delonghi Magnifica and Dinamica. Both machines offer exceptional features for coffee lovers, but deciding between them can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how they compare in terms of their choice of coffee, milk frother, type of coffee they take, customisation, size, and ease of use.
Both machines offer excellent features for users and come highly recommended by users but how do you choose between the Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica?
Firstly, when it comes to the choice of coffee, both machines offer a wide range of options. The Delonghi Magnifica allows users to select from various coffee strengths and sizes, while the Dinamica goes further by offering a range of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso. If you’re someone who likes a variety of coffee drinks, the Dinamica may be the better choice.
Secondly, the milk frother is an essential feature for many coffee lovers. The Delonghi Magnifica comes with a manual frother, which requires some practice to get right. The Dinamica, on the other hand, features an automatic frother, making it easier to use and ensuring consistent results.
Thirdly, the type of coffee the machines take also differs. The Delonghi Magnifica is compatible with both ground coffee and coffee beans, while the Dinamica only takes coffee beans. If you prefer using ground coffee, the Magnifica may be the better choice.
Fourthly, customisation is an essential feature for coffee enthusiasts. The Delonghi Magnifica allows users to customise the strength, temperature, and quantity of their coffee, while the Dinamica goes a step further by offering individual profiles for up to six users.
Fifthly, size and capacity are factors to consider, especially if you have limited counter space. The Delonghi Magnifica is more compact, making it ideal for smaller kitchens, while the Dinamica is larger but has a larger water tank and bean hopper capacity.
Lastly, ease of use is crucial, especially for those new to using coffee machines. Both machines are relatively easy to use, but the Dinamica has a more user-friendly interface and touch screen display.
In this article we are going to take a look at how they compare in terms of:
Choice of Coffee
Milk Frother
Type of Coffee It Takes
Customisation
Size & Capacity
Ease of Use
Note: As an Amazon Associate we earn a commission from qualifying purchases you may make through one of the links on this article. This does not affect how much you pay for the product.
Note this article is based on the Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 4200.S available from Amazon.co.uk. The model available on Amazon.com will have some differences which you should be clear on before any purchase.
The Delonghi Magnifica comes with a stellar set of user recommendations from years of being in service to customers. The Delonghi Magnifica offers a highly user rated bean to cup coffee machine at an excellent price point compared to many offerings in the market. Equipped with an integrated coffee grinder with 7 settings and a manual milk frother, the Delonghi Magnifica offers several features to help take the hassle out of making your favourite drink as well as helping to make it as fresh as possible.
Note this article is based on the Delonghi Dinamica ECAM 350.75.S available from Amazon.co.uk. The model available on Amazon.com will have some differences which you should be clear on before any purchase.
The Delonghi Dinamica offers users a highly automated coffee-making experience. The Dinamaca comes with a range of one-touch coffee drinks selection as well as an integrated milk frother. The Delonghi Dinamica comes highly rated by users.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica
Let’s now take a deep dive into a range of different factors to see how the Delonghi Magnifica compares to the Dinamica.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: How They Work
Let’s first take a look at how the Delonghi Magnifica and Dinamica compare in terms of hoe they operate.
The Delonghi Magnifica is a bean to cup coffee machine with an integrated coffee grinder as well as a manual steam milk frother.
The Delonghi Magnifica appears to be set up for simplicity. It has a bean container for you to place whole beans which are then ground, extracted, and brewed for you after making a few selections.
If you are after more than an espresso you also have a manual milk frother where you can then combine it for a milk-based drink.
The Delonghi Dinamica is also a bean to cup coffee machine but offers more automation and less manual intervention.
The Dinamica has an integrated coffee bean grinder and brewing unit as well as an integrated automatic milk frother. This means you also get a range of one-touch coffee drink choices including milk-based drinks. It essentially means your coffee can be prepared at the touch of a few buttons.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: Choice of Drinks
When it comes to the choice of drinks on offer, a key factor is looking at what drinks are available from an automated menu as well as what drinks could be made with more manual intervention.
In terms of choice of drinks the Dinamica offers a wide range of automated one-touch options including:
espresso
latte
flat white
cappucino and
latte macchiato.
The Delonghi Magnifica does not offer the same range of choice as the Dinamica in terms of one-touch selection as the milk frother is manual rather than automatic meaning with any milk-based drink, you will have to manually complete it yourself.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: Milk Frother
If you’re particularly keen on milk-based beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos then the features of the milk frother are something to look for when searching for a machine.
They are usually either automatic and integrated or to be used with an external jug, or they’ll need to be operated manually (typically with a steam wand/function) via a jug or cup.
In terms of milk frothers, both the Delonghi Magnifica and Dinamica come equipped with one.
The Delonghi Magnifica has a manual milk frother which means when making a milk-based beverage, once the espresso is done you will need to manually combine the milk you froth or heat up.
To use the milk frother is a matter of placing a suitable container with milk under the nozzle and heat up the milk or froth it depending on the drink you are trying to make. Indeed many users note how well the milk frother performs on the Magnifica.
The Delonghi Dinamica on the other hand has an automatic integrated milk frother. This means that rather than having to manually intervene to heat or froth your milk to make a cappuccino or latte, for example, the machine will take care of it for you and you’ll pick up your complete coffee at the end.
For many, this is one of the major attractions of going for a more premium option in the Dinamica. Quite helpfully the unit will allow you to choose between two amounts of foam as well as simply heating up your milk. Many users have noted how well the milk frother performs.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: Type of Coffee It Takes
Both the Delonghi Magnifica and Delonghi Dinamica are bean to cup coffee machines.
For a lot of coffee lovers, there’s unlikely to be any other coffee machine they would consider purchasing other than a bean to cup machine. They typically provide the freshest coffee possible at home as the whole roasted beans can be ground just at the point you actually want to brew the coffee.
This coupled with a roasting date that would be supportive of freshness gives you the freshest coffee possible out of the various types of machines available for home use.
For some however, the quick convenience of pre-ground coffee is also a draw.
The Delonghi Magnifica is designed to take whole beans and grind then extract and brew them for your desired drink just when you want it.
Quite helpfully, however, it can also take pre-ground coffee giving you added flexibility. Note however that you can only make one cup of coffee at a time with the pre-ground option.
The Delonghi Dinamica is also equipped to grind whole beans at the point of use but it can also take pre-ground coffee. Like the Magnifica however, you can only make one cup of coffee at a time using the pre-ground variety.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: Customisation
In terms of customisation features, some coffee machines will allow users to alter the strength of their coffee as well as the grind level and the amount in each cup.
Some automated machines will also allow the user to create their own custom program with specific preferences so that they don’t have to keep re-entering the various options to make their favourite cup of coffee.
The Delonghi Magnifica will allow you to customise the aroma strength as well as the quantity of your coffee. Quite helpfully it also gives you the choice of 7 different coarseness levels for the grinder.
The Magnifica also gives you control over the water temperature that is used to brew your coffee
The Delonghi Dinamica offers users more customisation than the Magnifica. As well as allowing users to determine the strength and quantity of their coffee, it also allows for customised programs.
This means that you can save the settings for your own favourite drink and saves you the hassle of having to re-enter the settings every time you want to make a drink. The Dinamica will also let you select the temperature of the hot water used to make the coffee giving you a choice of 4 levels.
When it comes to grind levels, the Dinamica also allows users to choose from 7 different settings.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: Size, Weight & Capacity
When selecting a new appliance for your kitchen counter the size of the machine you are looking at can often play a key part in the selection. This is particularly the case for coffee makers and bean to cup machines in particular as they can often take up a considerable amount of space.
They typically have a larger footprint to accommodate the various functions within the machines including their grinders which pod and ground coffee machines do not have.
The Delonghi Magnifica measures as follows:
28.5cm(W) x 37.5cm (D) x 36cm (H)
The Delonghi Dinamica has the following dimensions:
23.6cm(W) x 42.9cm (D) x 34.8cm (H)
From this, we can see that the Magnifica is an extra roughly 5cm wider than the Dinamica though is 5.4cm shorter in-depth meaning it will take up less space up against the wall. In terms of height, the Magnifica is an extra 1.2cm taller than the Dinamica. So the Dinamica is thinner and shorter than the Magnifica but does have a longer depth.
In terms of weight, the Delonghi Magnifica weighs roughly 10kg whereas the Dinamica comes in at 9.5kg.
When it comes to capacity the key factors to look at are the bean container size and volume of the water tank.
The Magnifica has the following properties in these two areas:
Bean container: 200g
Water tank: 1.8 litres
The Dinamica on the other hand has the following:
Bean container: 300g
Water tank: 1.8 litres
As we can see though the Magnifica and Dinamica have the same size water tank, the Dinamica has a much larger bean container giving you an extra 50% capacity.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: Ease of Use
Regardless of the type of coffee machine, they opt for users typically want something that they can use without too much hassle. A significant part of this will come down to the control panel setup as well as the level of automation involved.
Making your own coffee can be complicated so generally speaking the more automation a machine provides, the easier it will be to make the most of the machine. This is particularly a concern for those who do not wish to get too hands-on.
The Delonghi Magnifica is deemed an automatic bean to cup coffee machine so it will take care of the grinding, extraction, tamping, and brewing of your espresso. Where you have to get more involved is if you are then making a milk-based beverage as you’ll need to operate the milk frother manually.
In terms of the control panel, the Magnifica appears simple enough to use with only a limited number of buttons and dials which are well explained in the instruction manual. Indeed many users mention that they feel the Magnifica is very easy to operate.
The Dinamica is also an automatic bean to cup coffee machine meaning it does the job of grinding, extraction, tamping, and brewing your coffee. However, it also then takes care of preparing the milk for your milk-based beverages without your manual intervention, unlike the Magnifica.
The Dinamica’s control panel tries to make operation as easy as possible with an LCD display which helps with selection. Things are made easier with a range of one-touch options on the menu.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: What Users Think
In terms of user reviews, the Delonghi Magnifica comes very highly regarded and is clearly very popular given the number of high-rated reviews. Many users note how easy it is to setup and use whilst others also feel it makes excellent coffee.
Several users note how well this machine performs over time and they feel it offers excellent value for money.
In terms of drawbacks, some users have noted that it can be tricky to clean the internals of the machine when that is required though this is not a universal complaint it’s still something to pay attention to.
The Delonghi Dinamica also comes highly rated from users with many noting how easy it is to use particularly with its one-touch programs. Several users also feel that it offers an excellent option as a premium automatic bean to cup machine without paying some of the far higher prices from alternatives. Indeed many users note that the Dinamica is better than the more expensive machines they’ve used in the past.
There are however, some who feel the Dinamica goes through water relatively quickly as it uses it for rinsing. Indeed some note a larger water tank could be better. In addition, some users mention that it is quite long though as noted above it is best to check the dimensions of any machine suit where you would like to position in your home.
Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica: Price
Bean to cup coffee machines can have a significant price range. You can typically find decent budget models from around £250 – £300 with more premium-like offerings starting from around £500 up. There are however some machines that can cost as much as £2,000.
A higher price, however, doesn’t always mean happier users as there are many machines like the Delonghi Magnifica for example that are budget options but get far better user reviews than more expensive models.
In terms of price, the Delonghi Magnifica does offer a very good budget option. It can typically be found for around £250 – £300.
The Dinamica on the other hand is far more expensive and can typically be found at around £700. The price difference is reflected most significantly in the fact the Dinamica is a machine with fully automatic milk frothing whereas the Magnifica is manually operated.
Conclusion – Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica
Overall when considering the Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica there’s lots to appreciate about both machines. Both are easy to use bean to cup coffee makers according to users and can also take pre-ground coffee.
The major difference in terms of how they operate is the fact that with the Delonghi Magnifica you get manual milk frothing whereas the Dinamica offers fully automatic milk treatment giving you a range of one-touch coffee choices. In general, the Dinamica needs less manual intervention than the Magnifica and it also benefits from an LCD display for the menu.
The Delonghi Magnifica takes up more width on your counter but the Dinamica eats up more depth. The Dinamica will also give you more bean capacity meaning less need to refill the container.
Both machines appear to get generally positive user reviews although the Magnifica has far more of a user base going on the availability of reviews than the Dinamica. Both of course have their drawbacks according to users though none appear to have any deal-breakers though this will depend on your own preferences.
Ultimately if you want a high-quality budget option with great feedback from users and don’t mind manual milk frothing then the Delonghi Magnifica would be best suited for you. On the other hand, if you like the idea of a fully automatic milk frothing experience offering one-touch selections then the Dinamica would be better over the Magnifica.
when it comes to the Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re someone who values customisation, variety in coffee drinks, and a user-friendly interface, the Dinamica may be the better choice. However, if you prefer the flexibility of using both ground coffee and beans, a more compact size, and are willing to put in the effort to master the manual frother, the Delonghi Magnifica could be a perfect fit for you.
Between Delonghi Magnifica vs Dinamica the choice is ultimately yours based on your prerefences and of course budget.
Note this article is based on the Delonghi Magnifica ESAM 4200.S available from Amazon.co.uk. The model available on Amazon.com will have some differences which you should be clear on before any purchase.
Note this article is based on the Delonghi Dinamica ECAM 350.75.S available from Amazon.co.uk. The model available on Amazon.com will have some differences which you should be clear on before any purchase.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect how much you pay for the product.
A complete Kitchen Essentials checklist of all basic but frequently used foods that you should keep in your freezer, fridge and pantry (cupboard) all the time.
What are the essential foods you should always have in the kitchen?
Eating the right foods can be difficult when you have such a busy life. That’s why knowing the best foods to always have in the kitchen is so important.
If you’re life is anything like mine, you won’t always have time to make the perfect food. Sometimes simply getting any food is good enough, never mind the right food. This is especially difficult towards the end of the week when last week’s grocery shopping has all but run out.
This is where having the right types of food to make preparing nutritious meals or quick snacks is so important. With the right foods in the cupboard, fridge and freezer you’ll give yourself the chance of always being able to get your body what it needs.
Having 3 children under 3 including twins under 1 as well as a demanding career, I’m always trying to find hacks around the home.
Cupboard Essentials: What essential foods should you always have in the cupboard?
Tuna: Canned tuna has become one of our secret weapons in the kitchen over the last year or so. It’s great as you can buy packs of cans to suit your needs and meal sizes then simply forget about them. Their shelf-life means it can go in the cupboard for months until you find you really need it.
When the time comes however, you’ll be glad you have them. We use tuna:
To mix into quick pasta dishes (usually combined with an easy milk, cheese, paprika and pepper sauce)
For making sandwiches mixed with mayonnaise and whatever vegetables are readily available eg tomatoes and avocado
As a topping for grilled garlic bread finished with mozzarella or cheddar, our favourite Truff Gourmet hot sauce and any vegetables going e.g sweet corns.
Pasta: This is often our go-to solution when we don’t quite have enough time for anything more elaborate than a simple pasta dish. Depending on how you like your pasta done, it can be ready to go inside 10 minutes. It’s versatile and you can switch it up between white and whole grain varieties to make sure you get all the nutrition you need.
The great thing with a batch of pasta is that you can eat hot or cold so whatever you have left in the fridge, cupboard or freezer can be tossed in.
Bread: This may seem obvious but it can be easy to forget. Bread gives you a lot of choice for quick snacks and meals. From simple sandwiches like a classic tuna mayo, to the humble toast and further still, with a reliable loaf of bread around you’ll never be short of sustenance. If you’re worried you may not get through the bread before it expires you can always freeze (something we do in our house). This is particularly handy if you have a toaster with a defrost function.
Fridge Essentials: What essential foods should you always have in the fridge?
Eggs: When you are armed with eggs in the fridge, you can tackle any hunger attack. Eggs are versatile and can be a meal in their own right or combined with other quick foods for a hearty and filling meal. Full of protein and easy to blend in with spices (try scrambled eggs with black pepper and smoked paprika to see what we mean), eggs can keep hunger at bay when the chips are down.
Hard Cheese: A hard cheese with a strong taste and long-shelf life is always a good idea. Mixed in a with a bit of milk and pasta you’ll have yourself a tasty meal. Alternatively a hard cheese like cheddar works nicely mixed in with eggs or simply as a filling for a quick toasted sandwich. Whatever you do with it, having a nice block of cheese in the fridge means you’re only ever one step away from turning an ordinary quick snack into a great one.
Fruit: We all know eating fruits is an essential part of the diet but that’s not always easy to do. That’s why making sure you always have some fruit readily available is so important. Apples tend to make excellent fridge essentials as they can keep for a number of weeks without degrading in taste or quality. They are also great for juicing, making smoothies or just eaten on their own.
Freezer Essentials: What essential foods should you always have in the freezer?
What foods should you always have in the freezer?
Frozen Vegetables: Frozen vegetables such as sweetcorn, peas and carrots can come in handy with a variety of dishes so it always makes sense to have them available. They can easily help you add an extra layer of taste to otherwise simple meals as well as making sure you’re getting vital vitamins and nutrients.
Pre-Cooked Dishes: Wherever possible try to cook more than you will need for a particular meal and freeze the rest. A particularly good option for this is minced meat in a bolognese sauce like lamb or turkey. In our house we like to make large batches (e.g. 1kg) of turkey mince in a bolognse sauce that can be easily frozen and then used alongside pasta or jacket potatoes.
Another good option in this area is pre-cooked soup. We particularly like making butternut and sweet potato soup and then freezing it. Often times you can find that as the flavours have had time to settle, the soup tastes even better out of the freezer.
Following is a comprehensive list of frequently used foods to be stored;
Kitchen Essentials: In the Pantry
Breakfast & Cereals
Cereal (consider whole grain varieties)
Butter (keep it in the fridge)
Bread / Rusk / Bagles / Muffins
Oatmeal
Pancake mix
Canned, Jarred, & Pouched Foods
Weetbix for kids or Adults
PeanNut butter
Jams / Spreads (Nutella)
Honey
Desi ghee
Tip: Add 1tsp desi ghee in bowl of weetbix with honey and warm milk for extra immunity. Use Pure Jaggery instead of Sugar (if honey isn’t available), its helps in blood purification and a good alternate to refined sugar. Honey has low GI than both Jaggery and sugar.
Fruits and Vegetables
Choose raw and fresh fruits, avoid frozen fruits and vegetables as much as possible. The only frozen vegetables we recommend are;
diced tomatoes,
chopped spinach,
sliced yam or colacassia
ladyfingers
as they all cost generally less from fresh veggies and comes very handy.
Meat, poultry, & seafood
Beans (kidney, black eyed, black, garbanzo)
Fish, Chicken, Mutton or other meats.
Soups (look for lower sodium varieties)
Nuts (almonds, walnut, pistachio, pine nuts, macadamia. Avoid salted or smoked, and always go for natural unsalted nuts)
Sauces (tomato, soya, chili, oyster)
Diced tomatoes
Chickpeas (canned)
Kidney beans (canned)
Broth or stock (chicken, beef or vegetable)
Grains, Pasta & Sides
Bread (consider whole grain varieties)
Tortillas or taco shells
Pasta (consider whole grain varieties)
Rice (include some whole grain rice, such as brown rice)
Oats (old fashioned or rolled, quick, or steel cut)
Produce
Onions
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Garlic heads
Green Chilies
Pepper Mint
Coriander
Snack
Crackers (consider whole grain varieties)
Popcorn
Fresh Sweet Corn Cobs
Nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
Baking & Cooking supplies
Instant nonfat dry milk
Flour (consider whole grain)
Sugar (white granulated, brown)
Seasonings & spices (salt, black pepper, garlic, minced onion)
Oil for cooking (such as olive, canola, vegetable)
Vinegar
Condiments & Salad Dressings
Ketchup
Mustard
Mayonnaise (choose a lower fat option)
Salad dressing
Kitchen Essentials: In the Refrigerator
Milk (fat-free or low-fat)
Cheese (block, shredded, sliced, or string and consider lower fat options)
Yogurt (fat-free or low-fat and choose options with fewer or no added sugars)
100% fruit juice concentrate (better to extract juice yourself or even better to eat raw fruit)
Breads (consider whole grain varieties)
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