If you’re anything like me then you love back to school. That huge trip to Staples to get school supplies, the first grocery shop, and finally getting your apartment organized after a lazy summer. To make the back to school transition a little bit easier, we at The Hot Plate have a few tips when it comes to food: 

Four Grocery Shopping Secrets

#1 – plan out your meals and portion sizes (what do you want for lunch, dinner, snacks, etc.)
#2 – always make a list!
#3 – figure out what your staple ingredients are (i.e. olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, pepper, pasta, canned beans, canned tuna, etc.)
#4 – never buy more than you can carry (if you can’t carry it you won’t end up eating it)

Once you’ve bought all this food what are you going to do with it? When the weeks get crazy I like to focus on making larger dishes that double as dinner and lunch. Some of my favourites include quinoa salad, frittata, vegetarian chili, curried chicken salad sandwiches. Not only are these all hearty and delicious options but they are packed with whole grains and protein that keep you energized!

Food is fuel, but it should also be fun! Stay organized and ahead of the game and you’ll love putting the books down to whip up one of these great recipes!

Happy Cooking!

~ Amanda Garbutt