Basic Foods

Basic Foods

1. Rice
2. Wheat
3. Oats
4. Corn
5. Beans
6. Potatoes

Starches

Whether grains, pulses or tubers, these are all starches. These are the regular supermarket foods I buy every week. They are cheap and abundant. With the exception of potatoes, they store in the pantry.

USDA Is Wrong

According to USDA food classification, wheat and oats are grains, beans are protein, and potatoes are vegetables. Yet all of these foods are similar, not different, in macronutrient composition, with most energy from complex carbohydrate, and moderate energy density. Clearly USDA food classification is wrong.

Shopping List

1. Rice (Brown Rice, Sushi Rice) 1kg
2. Wheat (Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Wheat Pasta) 1kg x2
3. Oats (Rolled Oats) 1kg x2
4. Corn (Tortillas, Baked Corn Chips) 1kg x2
5. Beans (Black, Pinto, Lentils) 1kg x2
6. Potatoes (10-12 large)

World Food

Traditional societies depended on one or two of staple foods. In Middle East and South Europe it was wheat and barley. In Northern Europe wheat and oats. In America corn, beans and potatoes. In East Asia rice. In Central Asia wheat and lentils. Know how to cook each of these basic foods. There are multiple ways to prepare each, depending on kitchen tools at hand. In general, slow and simple is best. Soak brown rice and beans for best results. Slow cook when possible. Allow whole wheat to soak and ferment slowly. These basic foods are available world wide today, at least in major urban centers.