Everyone goes grocery shopping in some way or another. We all have to go out and get food to eat when we are at home. Its these trips to the grocery store that can either help or hinder your healthy diet. At a restaurant it might be easy to choose the healthiest option, but what about at the grocery store? How to you walk past those boxes of cookies, crackers, bags of chips, candy bars and soda? Learning how to say "No" to those things is extremely important for staying on track with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Having a healthy grocery cart isn't always as simple as it sounds. Somethings might seem healthy, but they aren't really as healthy as they sound. Learning how to be a better shopper, will help you have a healthier diet!
In Part 1, I will go over Where and When you should shop and What you should have in your cart! In Part 2, I will go over what you shouldn't have in your cart, and some money-saving tips you can use on your next shopping trip!
Where to Shop
You don't have to go to fancy health foods stores to find healthy food! You can shop at whatever grocery store is convenient and available to you, all you have to do is know where in the store to shop! You've probably heard it before, but its worth mentioning again- shop around the perimeter of the store. This is where the fresh food is!
The inner aisles also have good things to offer, you just have to be more careful. These aisles are also laden with the processed foods that can be very tempting! When shopping these aisles, the only things you want to add to your cart are things like whole wheat flour, beans, grains, dried fruit and nuts and seeds. Stay away from the processed and packaged foods that are full of chemicals, additives and preservatives!
When to Shop
There are a few times that you shouldn't go grocery shopping. 1) When You Are Hungry! Being hungry at the grocery store tends to lead to unhealthy choices! If your stomach is growling, how hard is it for you to resist the chips, cookies or candy bars? Always make sure you are full and satisfied and every thing should be good!
2) When You Don't Have a List. Having a grocery list makes it easier for you to get everything you need, and leave everything you don't need. When you go without a list, you might buy things you don't need or you might forget things you do need! Make a list, stick to it, and you grocery shopping will be more successful!
What to Buy
There are a few things that should always be in your cart! Making sure that you always have these staples in your home will insure that you can stick to your healthy diet!
Fruit and Vegetables should always be in your cart. In our home, bananas, apples, bell peppers, onions, celery, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, oranges, lemon and limes are just a few of the things we almost always have! The seasons also changes what it available! Figure out what your staples are and then try some new things! Pick a new fruit or vegetable each week to try!
Starches like rice, quinoa, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, whole grain pasta, bread and tortillas, beans, and lentils are also great staples! We always have at least one of these things ( if not all of them) in our home! These are great things to have because they are cheap, filling and healthy! Try them all to discover which ones are your staple!
Proteins are also something that should be in your cart. For me, as a vegan, my protein comes mainly from the starches, and things like leafy greens. But, things like tofu, tempeh, and veggie burgers are some great sources of veggie-protein. Of course, if you do eat meat, then things like fish, chicken, eggs and dairy can be added to your shopping list! Just stay away from things that promise "Low Fat", or "Natural Flavors" because this usually means more sugar, chemicals or additives!
Healthy Fats can be found in nuts, nut butters, nut milks, avocados and seeds. We always have these in our home and they are a great way to make sure that you get the right kind of fat in your diet. We prefer almond and coconut milk and almond and peanut butters, but there are a wide variety out there to choose from, and I'm sure you'll find a favorite!
Oils aren't something that I see as real "health" food, but if you are going to use them, I suggest olive oil and coconut oil. These are the two oils that we keep in our house because the flavors are fairly neutral and they can be used outside the kitchen as well!
Spices and Seasonings are all up to personal taste, but there are a few things to look out for when choosing spices. Look out for "flavor blends" that might contain added sugar or salt. Go for a salt free blend and add in the salt to your own taste. Also, a lot of spice blends can contain MSG, and you want to stay away from those! Read the label so you know exactly what you are getting!
There are, of course, so many other things that could be added to this list. A lot of it depends on what kind of life you lead, what diet you follow, and what kind of food you like! The more you shop, keeping this list in mind, the more personalized and healthy your shopping list will become!
In Part 2, I will go over What Not to Have in Your Grocery Cart! Things that really aren't that healthy and should have no place in your grocery cart!
I hope this post will help you, and that you'll stick around for part 2 (coming soon!)! Please share this post, and my blog, with your friends and family to help them live healthier lives!
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I post every Friday!
Stay Healthy, Happy and Laughing!
H. Banana
