With growing stress and hectic routine of life, it has become increasingly necessary to have a healthy diet. Keeping healthy is very important to sustain in the rat race of the contemporary world. This can be achieved by preparing a healthy grocery list, while you go for shopping. This way you will bring a number of nutritious food items for eating. However, many people find it quite difficult to prepare a list as they are too ruled by their tastes and temptations. In effect, they might experience momentary pleasure of the tongue, their health constantly suffers. So, if you wish to know how to prepare a healthy grocery list, read on.
Healthy Food Grocery List
- Fresh vegetables and fruits should constitute the major portion of your healthy food grocery list. Vegetables and fruits are vital source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and are also low in calories.
- Make sure that most of your grain and cereal products are made from whole grains and not from refined flours.
- For protein and meat, choose fish, poultry and lean meats. Eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes are also good protein choices. Choose fresh and frozen meats and fish. Avoid breaded, deep-fried fast food as they are high in fats and sodium.
- For beverages, low fat milk, juices and herbal teas are good options. If you like soft drinks, choose diet sodas to avoid extra sugar.
- Dairy products should include low fat milk, yogurt and cheese. You can also go for soy and rice beverages, calcium fortified orange juice, or goats' milks and cheese.
- Be careful while choosing dressings, cooking oils and condiments. They are devious sources of refined sugar and poor quality oil. Choose dressings made with olive oil, canola oil or walnut oil. Choose low-fat mayonnaise for your sandwiches and choose canola oil and olive oil for cooking.
- To keep yourself glued to vegetables, the best option is frozen foods. In case you wish to go for read-to-cook meals, choose low fat versions with good portion sizes. Avoid frozen pizzas, pocket-sandwiches, deep-fried appetizers and breaded foods.
- Opt for low-sodium soups, vegetables and sauces. Avoid high fat gravies and high calorie foods like canned spaghetti and ravioli products.
- For sandwiches, get peanut butter or other low calorie nut butters.
- Don't rely too much on high calorie treats and desserts. Choose fresh fruits, healthy nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers for snacks.