Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips
When it comes to creating healthy habits, preparation is key! That goes for any of your goals, but especially to any health and wellness goals you may have. For anyone that wants to eat a little healthier, we all know having a nutritious and balanced diet is key. But navigating all the options at a grocery store can be challenging.
Today we are going to break down the grocery store into sections and give tips and tricks for each area. This will hopefully help you make better choices for next time!
Meat, Protein, Seafood
Go for skinless chicken and turkey breast.
Pick leaner cuts of red meat.
Look for low sodium versions of your favorite deli meat.
Firm tofu is a great source of lean protein to try for meatless nights!
Dairy
Pick low fat or nonfat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Flavored yogurts often contain a lot of sugar, so buy plain yogurt and flavor it yourself with fruit and honey.
Olive oil-based butters make a great alternative to regular butter.
If you prefer alternative milks, check the sugar content – they sometimes can sneak in added sugar!
Breads and Grains
Choose bread and grains with at least 3 grams of fiber. It’ll help you stay fuller, longer.
Go for whole wheat or whole grain breads, tortillas, and pastas.
Choose brown rice over white rice for a more nutrient-dense food.
Pastas made from chickpea, black beans, or lentils are a great choice for added protein.
Produce:
Absolutely load up your cart with your favorite fruits and vegetables!
Buy fruits and vegetables in season. They will taste better and cost less.
Don’t forget to pick out herbs as well, like rosemary, cilantro, and parsley to add flavor to your meals.
Sauces, Oils, and Condiments
Check your condiments and sauces for added sugar, salt, and calories.
Some delicious, healthy condiment options are mustard, sriracha, and salsa.
Choose olive oil or try nonfat cooking sprays.
Frozen Foods
Watch out for premade frozen meals! They can be loaded with salt.
Make sure your frozen fruits aren’t hidden with added sugar.
Pick plain frozen vegetables, as opposed to ones with added seasoning so you can control the ingredients!
Overall, the main piece of advice to take away from this is to read your food labels! Make sure to check for hidden sugar and excess sodium. And whenever possible, look for whole, high-fiber, and nutrient dense foods.
Happy healthy shopping!