A Few More of My Favorite Things (Fridge Edition)
- Erin Benner

- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read

If your fridge is stocked well, eating nourishing meals becomes so much easier — no complicated recipes required. These are the items I keep on repeat because they’re versatile, nutrient-dense, and make throwing meals together almost effortless.
Think of these as building blocks, not “diet foods.”
1. Probiotic Plain Yogurt (2–5% Fat)
Once you get comfortable buying plain yogurt, you’ll save yourself so much time (and decision fatigue) in the yogurt aisle. There are really only a few solid options to choose from when you know what to look for.
I prefer a 2–5% fat yogurt — it’s more satisfying, supports stable blood sugar, and actually tastes good.
Why I love it:
Great source of protein and calcium
Supports gut health with probiotics
Works for sweet and savory meals
My favorites: Biobest, Siggi’s
Use it for:
Breakfast bowls with fruit and nuts
A base for sauces or dressings
A swap for sour cream
2. Omega-3 Eggs
Rounding out the protein powerhouse: Omega-3 eggs. They’re worth the splurge.
These eggs provide an excellent source of omega-3 fats, choline, and lutein, supporting brain health, hormones, and overall nutrient intake.
Why I always have them on hand:
High-quality, versatile protein
Key nutrients many people under-consume
Easy to build meals around
Quick ways to eat them:
Scrambled or fried with toast
Added to salads or grain bowls
Hard-boiled for an easy snack
3. Baby Arugula
Keep a clamshell of baby arugula in your fridge and you can upgrade almost any meal instantly.
Much like frozen kale, this is a sprinkle-it-on-everything food.
Why it works:
Minimal prep, maximum payoff
Peppery flavor makes meals more interesting
Adds nutrients without overthinking it
Try it:
Tossed into pasta or grain bowls
Mixed into eggs or omelets
On top of pizza, soups, or sandwiches
4. Naturally Fermented Sauerkraut
This is not the shelf-stable stuff. Naturally fermented sauerkraut (found in the refrigerated section) contains live cultures that support gut health.
Why I recommend it:
Easy way to add fermented foods
Adds crunch and acidity to meals
Helps balance heavier dishes
Use it:
As a side with meals
On eggs, bowls, or sandwiches
Paired with richer foods
5. Shredded Coleslaw Mix
One of the most underrated fridge staples.
Shredded coleslaw mix is essentially pre-chopped vegetables, which means fewer barriers to actually eating them.
Why it’s clutch:
Saves time and energy
Works raw or cooked
Adds fiber and volume to meals
Use it:
Tossed into salads
Stir-fried with protein
Mixed into bowls or wraps
6. Cottage Cheese (Full-Fat or 2–4%)
An easy protein anchor that doesn’t require cooking.
Why it earns a spot:
High protein, minimal effort
Neutral flavor = sweet or savory
Great for quick meals when motivation is low
Ways to use it:
With fruit and nuts
Blended into dips or sauces
On toast with olive oil and salt
My favorite: with Everything Bagel Seasoning
7. Lemon Juice (Fresh or High-Quality Bottled)
A small thing that makes a big difference.
Why it’s a staple:
Brightens boring meals instantly
Encourages eating more vegetables and water
Improves the flavour of meals, especially when your taste has warped from chemo
Use it:
On arugula and salads
Squeezed over eggs or bowls
Mixed into dressings and sauces
8. Parmesan (or Another Hard, Aged Cheese)
Flavor matters — and this is one of the easiest ways to add it.
Why it belongs:
Adds protein, calcium, and depth
A little goes a long way
Makes simple meals satisfying
Ways to use it:
Shaved over salads or pasta
On eggs or roasted vegetables
Added to soups or grain bowls
9. Full-Fat Store-Bought Salad Dressing (Yes, Really)
This is your permission slip.
A good-quality, full-fat dressing helps people eat more vegetables consistently — which matters more than whether it’s homemade.
Why I keep it in my fridge:
Fat helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins
Makes salads enjoyable, not obligatory
Convenience supports consistency
Look for:
Olive oil or avocado oil–based
Short ingredient lists
The Big Picture
A well-stocked fridge isn’t about eating “perfectly.” It’s about making nourishing choices easier than takeout on busy days.
When your fridge is full of versatile staples:
You don’t need complicated recipes
You don’t need constant motivation
You just mix, match, and eat
That’s how real-life nutrition works.
One of the biggest misconceptions about energy is that it comes from motivation, willpower, or cutting things “just right.”
In reality, energy is built — through consistent nourishment, enough calories, adequate protein and fats, and meals that don’t feel like a project.
This is exactly what I teach inside my Energy and Clarity Reset.
We focus on:
Eating enough to support your metabolism and nervous system
Stocking your kitchen in a way that reduces friction
Letting go of food rules that quietly drain energy
Creating meals that actually fuel your day instead of leaving you flat
These fridge staples aren’t random — they’re examples of how energy-supportive nutrition looks in real life. Not perfect. Not restrictive. Just practical and repeatable.
If you’re tired of feeling run-down, relying on caffeine, or wondering why “healthy eating” hasn’t translated into more energy, this is the work we do together.
If you want support putting this into practice and building sustainable energy from the inside out, you can learn more about the Energy and Clarity Reset here.




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