Everyone has different dietary needs, but in general, a healthy grocery shopping trip means a cart filled with nutrient-dense foods. Here’s an example of what a healthy grocery cart could contain:
• Non starchy vegetables: Cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, sweet peppers, onions, garlic, bell peppers, greens, leeks, and mushrooms
• Fruits: Oranges, bananas, apples, grapefruit, lemons, blueberries, pineapple, and avocados
• Proteins: Eggs, fish, chicken, ground turkey, and tofu
• Starchy vegetables: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and winter squash
• Grains and legumes: Quinoa, oats, brown rice, dried black beans, buckwheat, red lentils, barley, and farro
• Nuts, seeds, and nut butter: Pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, almonds, and natural peanut butter
• Canned foods: Canned salmon, sardines, canned beans, canned pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce
• Oils and condiments: Olive oil, salad dressing, avocado oil, salsa, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, dried spices, honey, and maple syrup
• Dairy and nondairy products: Full fat Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, cashew milk, and coconut yogurt
• Snack foods: Dark chocolate chips, trail mix, unsweetened dried fruit, and hummus
• Frozen foods: Frozen raspberries, frozen shrimp, frozen kale, and Ezekiel bread
• Beverages: Unsweetened seltzer, herbal tea bags, and ground coffee This list is not exhaustive or definite, but it can act as a general guide for shopping trips.
Of course, there’s also room for your favorite foods in a healthy, balanced diet. The point isn’t to completely avoid foods that are considered less healthy like chips, ice cream, and cookies.
Rather, a well-rounded diet should prioritize nutrient-dense foods that make you feel good and deliver the nutrients your body needs to thrive, all while leaving room for you to enjoy your favorite foods.
For example, I always have good quality chocolate in my kitchen — and it’s not always dark — and I love almost any salty potato chip. It’s perfectly healthy to crave and enjoy foods that aren’t considered nutritious from time to time.
Although there’s always room for your favorite foods in a well-rounded diet, your shopping cart should mostly contain whole, nutrient-dense foods.
In reference to healthline news.
