Want to Make Your Grocery List Healthy?
By Sara Butler
Eating healthy takes planning and dedication, but you can set yourself up for success by buying the right groceries. If you can include the most nutrient-dense foods in your meal planning, then you can ensure benefits to your health.
The problem is that grocery stores are designed to make money, not encourage you to be healthy. That's why it's important to know how to navigate all the unhealthy temptations at the store. Here's a list of several foods you should make sure are on your shopping list to help you on your path to healthier eating and improved health.
Go for Leafy Greens
The two healthiest words on your grocery list are leafy and green! Dark leafy green vegetables such as arugula, chard, spinach, romaine (that's not infected with E. coli!), and kale are all great choices to add a nutritional punch to your meals. They also are full of fiber meaning, you'll stay fuller for longer by including them.
Frozen Vegetables
Yes, frozen vegetables are a healthy choice -- as long as they're not paired with sauces. Plain frozen vegetables are just as nutrient-packed as the fresh stuff from the produce aisle because they're picked and flash frozen at the peak of their freshness. So go ahead, go for frozen vegetables to help save you time and maybe a little bit of money -- your health will benefit.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is full of calories, so you have to be careful, but it's also a great thing to have on hand in your pantry. That's because it's low cost and protein dense, delivering a healthy dose of fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fats to your meal. Just be careful to pay attention to the nutrition label of the peanut butter you buy. The fewer the ingredients, the better. And steer clear of ingredients such as palm oil or sugar -- it should really only contain nuts and salt.
Ancient Grain or Sprouted Grain Bread
The bread aisle can cause a lot of anxiety when you're trying to eat healthy because many people assume all carbohydrates are bad for them. This isn't true. If you can eat whole grains, then there are a ton of benefits to your health and wellness. That's why looking for ancient grain or sprouted grain bread is your best bet. These breads deliver fiber, Vitamin B, antioxidants, and amino acids your body needs to stay healthy.
The grocery store isn't too difficult to navigate if you know where to look!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Durham, N.C.