7 Foods Nutritionists Keep In Their Fridge, And You Should Too

Experts say if we don’t have certain foods within our reach—i.e., in our kitchen cupboards or our refrigerators – we won’t eat them. For instance, I keep little-to-no chocolate in my place, or I’d eat it 24/7. Women’s Health asked nutritionists what they keep in their fridge, and we can benefit from their answers.

Here are the top foods. For a full listing all the recommended foods, head on over here.

1. Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries—experts have long said berries are like a healthy candy, and they also contain a lot of antioxidants. Dr. Edward Group recommends eating these seven berries every day:

• Goji
• Blueberries
• Acai berries
• Bilberries (like mini blueberries!)
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Cherries

2. Greek Yogurt

Yes, we are obsessed with Greek yogurt here at Simplemost. It’s easy to buy, but also easy to make (once you get the hang of it). I know, where the heck did Green yogurt come from?! How did it start to dominate our store shelves (and refrigerators)?! Well, it’s different from ordinary yogurt since the whey has been removed (via straining). So, it is thicker than your average, non-Greek yogurt, and also contains less sugar and sodium and twice as much protein. (In a pinch, I even eat it for dinner if I don’t have a chance to get anything else—it’s that filling and nutritious!) It also has probiotics (healthy bacteria) and lots of other benefits, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Plus, you can use it as a healthy (and effective!) substitute for sour cream or potato chip dip (add some Tobasco or Tapatío—yum!).

3. Eggs

Not only are they a power-house breakfast food that give us energy to last through all our morning meetings, but eggs are also rich in protein, vitamins (like B2 and B5), and calcium (among others). The Omega-3s are even higher in vitamins A and E, if you happen to get your hands on those.

4. Natural Peanut Butter

Peanut butter has fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fat (the good kind!) while also filling you up, making it a smart snack. “It’s an amazing source of healthy protein, and fat and you can put it on almost anything,” said Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., R.D., a wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Natural and organic peanut butter tend to have less sodium and sugar, so experts recommend those over the overly processed kinds (but you can read the labels for yourself and compare!).

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is not only rich in fiber and helpful in lowering cholesterol, but is also full of vitamins, like A, D, and K. The World’s Healthiest Foods recommends that we eat broccoli 2-3 times a week, even 4-5 times a week, and eat 2 cups per serving vs. 1 ½ cups.

6. Avocados

Avocados have many nutrients, including fiber, folate, and many vitamins (like C, E, and K). They also contain more potassium than bananas (14% of the RDA vs. 10%)! In addition, they are good for your heart, reducing cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides. Some friends of mine cut an avocado in half, add lemon juice and salt, and eat it as-is, while others spread an avocado on a piece of wheat toast. (I prefer adding cheddar cheese to the avocado and wheat toast, too, but alas.)

7. Lemons

Lemons, particularly when drinking them in water, have so many health benefits, the subject calls for its own article on the matter. Lemon water has lots of pros, including clearing out toxins from your body, aiding in digestion, helping your complexion, and balancing your pH levels. So, grab a bag of them today and start using them daily. Soon, you, too, will see the positive effect they have on your well-being (and then you can report back and let us know!).