Basically make sure you do have things in the house, like my lists of essential things to keep in the fridge and cupboard. It's half the battle for good cooking having good things to cook and if you have to shop for every time you cook something it's easy to lose interest. By having a supply of simple ingredients on hand and then having to pick up 1 or 2 things occasionally during the week you'll find cooking for yourself friends or family so much easier and stress free. I'll always buy zucchini and broccoli just cause I know I'll use them in something.

Fresh is always best but there's nothing wrong with a can or jar of something, tinned tuna is a great way to eat, fresh corn is better but there's nothing wrong with tinned or even frozen corn occasionally as well.

When you get time, like weekends or rainy days at home, cook ahead as much as you can or be organised and have a rough idea of what you want to cook. It can help especially if you have a family and if you are cooking for and by yourself, it really helps being a bit organised as the temptation is even greater to just pick up a takeaway and cooking for yourself can be really hard to get inspired for sometimes. If you do find yourself short on time the quality of food we can buy on the run now is really good, if it's been a shocking day and your having friends for dinner nothing beats buying margarita pizza and adding few slices of proscuitto and handful of rocket to them.

And remember... a good salad saves any meal!