I can absolutely appreciate the authenticity of every city and country that I have lived in the last several years. travelling allows you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and take advantage of what each new city has to offer. I am sure that those of you who travel can appreciate leaving your “bubble” at home and seeing how other people live. I have however, observed some people who travel abroad and expect everything to be like it is in north america. this doesn’t make you a fav with the locals 
living in Europe certainly has it’s challenges – language being a big one. but as a nutritionist I have also found it challenging to find all the healthy ingredients that I typically use on a daily basis. for some people this may not be a big deal, but for me, it is. food nerd, I know.
I know of other expat families that are sure to pack up some of their favourite food items for each season. I brought a few of my favourite foods that I figured I would have a hard time finding…and that would fit in my luggage.
here is what I brought with me – my fav protein powder (vega), maca root powder + hemp seeds, some chlorella tablets as well as enough of my fav supplements to last me about 6 months.
and these are a few of the items that I can’t seem to find right now - almond milk, hemp milk, kale, spinach (fresh not frozen), hemp seeds, chia seeds, quinoa, raw cacao nibs, and goji berries. there are a few other items but those are the main ones that I am on the hunt for. I asked a trainer at the gym if he knew where I could pick up a few items and he was able to suggest a couple of organic stores that I am going to check out this week.
with all that being said, I am loving trying new ingredients and recipes! there are just a few staples that I really love to have stocked in my kitchen to ensure we are eating super nutritious snacks and meals.
what are a few of your favourite kitchen staples that you can’t seem to live without?
have a fab day friends!
PS. I shared this video on the facebook page yesterday and want to make sure nobody missed it. it’s about an amazing initiative going on in the bronx that truly is transforming a lot of children’s lives – I love the green graffiti! it’s about 13 minutes long, but I hope you will find some time to watch it.
PPS. apparently with some of the changes being made by facebook it appears that a very small percentage (like 15-20%) of you who have “liked” my page actually see the updates. so annoying! here is an article explaining a bit more about it {if you should care}. to ensure that you are up to date on all things healthy ginger-fied make sure to regularly check in on the facebook page. you can also follow along on twitter, instagram and sign up for my monthly newsletter.
That was an amazing video! I have seen green roofs before and thought about doing that when I build my dream home someday!! I love his passion and energy on this topic, and his enthusiasm is very inspiring! So glad you posted it!! Kisses and hugs to Sloaners!!! Lets chat soon!
Eileen
Isn’t is so cool! He’s a little (lot) all over the place, but he sure has passion
Consider the hugs, done 
It’s so hard to find kale in Europe!
I did find Germany had some amazing ‘bio’ stores when I was visiting (mind you I was in Berlin, not sure where youare). They had these raw pineapple snacks (I think it was all dehydrated pineapple?!) that were amazing! They should have quinoa in the bulk sections, and goji berries too (or at an Asian store?)
If you need any goodies shipped from Toronto we could do a care package exchange – I love European goodies
There are lots of Bio options in almost all of the grocery stores that I have been in. I finally found the health food store I was told about
But that doesn’t mean that I would say no to goodies from home 
Any requests from Germany? 
I have found quinoa at dm (pharmacy/drug store)…Kale I’ve been buying at the local Saturday outdoor market here. I’ve spoken to one of the ladies in our office…she tells me we should be able to find this in some stores once we hit winter. I’m also still on the hunt for a few of the items you’ve listed!! I will stay tuned! Hope you guys are well!!
I found millet at DM but not quinoa. But I did find some at a health food store – YEAH! I still haven’t made it to the outdoor market so I am going to look on Wednesday. Keep me posted on what else you can find
There should be quinoa at CitiMarket, in the Bio section. I found Almond milk at a health food store in Germany (that was in Flensburg though, not Iserlohn). Gogi berries are there too. They have fresh Kale/Spinach at the farmer’s markets sometimes. I’m trying to remember which day the market is downtown in Iserlohn……maybe ask Courtney.
Thanks Jen! I am pretty sure there is a market Saturday and Wednesday – I really need to get there this week
I did find some Almond milk + Quinoa, but no goji’s just yet… I will keep looking 