It's essential to keep your sanity and nutrition so here are some go-to items in my list(s) which makes grocery shopping and meals a lot easier
Sections
7
High Protein Snacks
Lazy Healthy Breakfasts in 5 min
Pantry staples
Healthy Snacks That Taste Good
Low Effort Dinners
Lunchbox Foods For Children
High Protein Snacks
Convenient + satiety. Some for the adults and some for the young one.
My little one's current fave is Chobani and I like that there's no sugar added but it's still sweet due to the fruit inside. Happy kid and happy mum!
Shop Greek Yogurt Cup
Not my personal favourite most of the time but it's a good go-to when I am not hungry enough for a full meal but I still need to eat so that I don't get a sugar crash
Protein Bars
I love to eat this with my plain yoghurt. It is high in sugar when eaten alone but it gives my plain yoghurt flavour!
Protein Granola Clusters: High-Protein, Vegan, Gluten-Free & Tropical Options
Grew up eating this as a snack and it is high in protein plus makes me happy as it's one of my childhood snacks. Great for diabetics too.
Roasted Chickpea
My little one loves edamame and I feel a lot better giving her this to eat than sweets, for sure.
Snacks Edamame
I rarely eat this as it can get a bit too chewy or too salty…but it hits the spot when I do have a craving for something chewy and salty (lol)
Jack Link's Meat Snacks Beef Jerky - Peppered
Get the squeeze packs…they're so much easier to portion out for adults and kiddos. Plus I also use it for cooking.
SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs 9.2oz
Nuts are good for you and it helps that my little one enjoys them too!
Trail Mix Nuts and Dried Fruits for Hiking
This is a treat that we use to bribe our little one but I do find my big toddler (the husband) drinking a little too much of this.
MAGNOLIA High Protein Chocolate Milk 375ML x 12
Lazy Healthy Breakfasts in 5 min
Time saving
For making chia seed pudding the night before, which you can add to your yoghurt or cereal bowl or on its own
Chia Seed
Best way to get your antioxidants in the morning and flavour in your chia seed pudding or yoghurt. I also use it in my breakfast smoothies
Frozen Fruits
I add this to my smoothie or just as a meal replacement. If you're prone to eczema, then use a soy-based protein shake instead.
Shakes
You obviously can easily make this the night before and it's great for heart health and satiety. My little one isn't too fond of it but I love it!
Overnight Oats
A must have sweetener as this can be used for pancakes, general sweetener for yoghurts, on breads etc. A lot more added flavour than simple sugars and healthier than corn syrup.
Shop Honey For Everyday Great Value
Besides peanut, I love almond butter. It's more roasted in terms of flavour but yet subtle. I love it on toast, biscuits or just a peanut butter alternative
Almond Butter | Natural & Organic Choices for Health
This is for a quick oats porridge which you can dress up with honey or fruit. You can even go savoury by adding chicken or vegetable stock and shredded chicken leftovers.
Quaker Oats Oatmeal
It goes into breakfast smoothies or on its own with oats or chia pudding. So versatile.
Farmers Union Greek Style Yoghurt - Natural
Pantry staples
Reliable household essentials that are needed for everyday cooking
Do I really need to say why?
Olive Oil
If you're Chinese, I do not need to explain. This is the typical soy sauce used for flavouring without changing the colour or flavour profile of the dish significantly.
Light Soy Sauce
This is for braising meats or for us Singaporeans, this is the soy sauce for chicken rice and Hainanese curry.
Dark Soy Sauce
This is what gives a lot of dishes that extra oomph with just a few drops.
Sesame Oil
I like getting white miso paste that already has benito stock in it. This really works for a lot of recipes and is quite versatile. I definitely use it for more than miso soup.
Miso Paste
White rice vinegar is important if you want to brighten a dish up…and of course if you like making sushi.
Rice Vinegar
This is soooo much more convenient than chopping up your own garlic (unless you enjoy doing so). I prefer to get those that are soaked in water because it doesn't seem to leak out a lot of smell in my fridge.
Chopped Garlic
Simple and quick way to get some Omega-3 into your diet. Simply toss it with pasta and sauce. You can also mix mayo with it to have a tuna spread.
Canned Tuna & Salmon
I not only use it at times as a soup base, it can also be used to flavour stir-frys and other dishes
Maggi Concentrated Chicken Stock
So important when I need something sweet but subtle to balance salty soy sauce in a lot of dishes
Mirin - Singapore
More like my husband's must-have condiment. He has it with nuggets, fries…etc.
Kewpie Mayo
Again, another must-have in a Chinese kitchen. Used for steaming fish, braises and stews and even stir fries.
Oyster & Abalone Sauce
I love this for black pepper as freshly ground black pepper just smells and tastes better!
Best Pepper Mills
Healthy Snacks That Taste Good
Not high in protein and still needs to be eaten in moderation but they're definitely healthier than a lot of the processed snacks.
Dark chocolate (at least 80%) and nuts are a good combo
KIND Dark Chocolate, Nuts & Sea Salt Bars
Do read your labels and get those that do not have added sugar. My kid loves these and I can easily bring the smaller packs out for her.
Freeze Dried Fruit
I personally prefer the raisins but I'm trying to incorporate more nuts into my diet and this is an easy and delicious way to do so.
Yogurt Covered Nuts
OMG I can eat waaay too much of these
Seaweed Snacks
Sometimes, I like getting the plain ones as an alternative cracker for my cheese.
Rice Crackers
These are a bit expensive imo but my kid likes it once in a while
Fruit Leather
Get the plain ones or make your own so that you can control the calories
Popcorns
Low Effort Dinners
For those busy weeknights so that you don't need to think too hard about “What should I cook tonight?”
Cook them in soup or pan fry. I also boil them and toss them in a variety of sauces to keep things interesting.
Frozen Dumplings
Just cook them and serve with rice or mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Marinated Chicken
Love these as I do mostly stir-frys so it doesn't matter that the vegetables are a little soggy when heated.
Frozen Vegetables
Not exactly the healthiest but they're good for cheat days
Chicken Delights
I use this only for days where I want that Japonica sticky rice for certain dishes without having to buy the whole bag of rice.
CJ Fresh Cooked Instant Rice - White
I love using this to do a simple stir-fried noodles with whatever meats or prawns I have in the freezer for a quick, simple dinner
Cooking Noodles
Wraps are easy when there's leftover chicken or minced beef. Just add cheese and lettuce for a delicious whole meal
Santa Maria Tortilla Wrap Original - Medium
Here you go
15 Ways to Turn Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken Into a Great Dinner
Spaghetti, linguine and macaroni are the pastas that I cook very regularly and good for whipping up quick meals with leftovers
Barilla | All The Latest Products
I have a variety of dried noodles because similar to rice, there are so many dishes to cook with noodles. Soup or stir fried.
Shop Noodles For Everyday Great Value
Lunchbox Foods For Children
Often a parent's pain point but these are easy to pack without much effort
I do prefer those that are made from natural cheese instead of processed cheese. Great tasting and small enough to fit into a lunchbox.
Bega Stringers Cheese Sticks - Original
These may need to be chilled but there are some other brands that can be stored at room temperature so get those.
Chobani Chobani Greek Yogurt Pouch Raspberry 140G
These are great as a treat to the end of the meal
Mini Muffin - Original
Mini pancakes can fit into the lunchbox and you can put multiple pieces so that your child may want to share it with their friends as well
Mini Pancakes: Korean Spicy Leek, Cowhead, & More Frozen Options
I try to get those that are individually packed so that I don't need to bother about portion sizing. May cost a little more but saves me mental space. But if you're already buying dried fruit as a general snack, then say no more and just get the larger more economical pack.
Dried Fruit Snacks
I prefer crackers that are specially made for children sometimes as they've got added minerals. Great for children who will choose the crackers over the cheese and fruit.
Kids Crackers
Slice them and a trick is to lightly sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over them to keep them from browning
Apple Fruit
To make mini sandwiches
Bread - Wholemeal
Comfort Foods for Stressful Days
For those days where you may be a little emotional and need a bit of unhealthy but comforting. NOT for daily consumption.
It's more chocolatey than Milo or Ovaltine, which is what the body craves for. I like the darker chocolate which makes me feel like it's a tiny mug of luxury.
Shop Chocolate Drink Mix For Hot Chocolate at Better Price Online
So bad that it's so good.
Instant Noodles
A good way to restrict the guilt from these ice cream bars is to get the smaller ones from Japanese or Korean brands.
Frozen Ice Cream Bars: Chocolate, Mango, Strawberry & More
I haven't really met anyone who doesn't love mac and cheese. Add a bit of protein and voila, you're going to be satisfied.
