While there are evidence-based nutrition guidelines for the general public, it’s important to remember that choosing food to fuel you is very individualized. What works for one person won’t always work for another.

That being said, it can help to get a bit of inspiration from others when it comes to eating well and who doesn’t want a sticky beak at what nutrition experts are dishing up on the regular. So, what will you always find in a dietitian’s kitchen? Here are five of the foods we can’t live without.

5 Foods a Dietitian Can’t Live Without

1. Oats

An underrated superfood that is both ideal on a budget and excellent for your health. Enjoy them in porridge, homemade muesli bars, blend them up and use them in baking or meatballs – they’re incredibly versatile! Oats also get the dietitian tick of approval for their fiber content, which aids in lowering cholesterol, and reducing the risk of heart disease, and promoting balanced blood sugar levels. They also pack a serious nutritional punch, providing a dose of zinc, manganese, B vitamins, selenium and magnesium.

2. Legumes

Throw them in a salad for a quick and healthy work lunch or use them as a meat replacement on Meatless Monday in your bolognese or tacos. They’re budget-friendly (win!) and seriously nutritious. Fibre, protein, quality carbohydrates, B vitamins, iron, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium… the list goes on! Make sure to give them a good rinse before use. You can also soak them in clean water for a couple of hours or even overnight – some clients find this helps them to be more easily digestible.

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This stuff is truly liquid gold. Olive oil makes everything better. Drizzle on salads, drizzle on veggies, heck, dunk some (wholegrain) sourdough in it. We love this stuff! It’s an absolute staple in our pantries and is used every day. A good source of monounsaturated fats and vitamins E and K, extra virgin olive oil is good for your brain, joints and heart...and soul.

4. Nuts

Fibre, healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. What more could you want? We often snack on nuts in the afternoon, but they’re also a great addition to breakfasts or sprinkled on salads. We even keep a bag handy in the car. Did you know the fibre, fatty acids and polyphenols in nuts mean they are also great for your gut microbiome? 

5. Dark Chocolate

We often joke and say dark chocolate is rich in vitamin ‘L’, for love. Perhaps corny, but gosh it really is good. Dark choc encourages the release of dopamine and endorphins, two feel-good brain chemicals. It also contains antioxidants and various minerals. Research shows that dark chocolate may benefit your brain and heart health. Definitely one food we can’t live without.

Want more? Here's what a dietitian wants you to order from UberEats.