When adding items to your grocery list, it’s best to emphasize fresh, whole foods.
Though having a treat now and then is perfectly normal and healthy, keep sweets and snack foods to a minimum when creating your shopping list.
Eating highly processed foods like sugary cereals, candy, soda, chips, and baked goods too often can offset your weight loss goals and cause you to gain pounds
Here are some examples of healthy, nutritious foods that deserve a spot in your cart.
➲Fruits: Berries, bananas, apples, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes, pears, cherries, pineapple, pomegranate, kiwis, mangoes.
➲Proteins: Eggs, shrimp, fish, chicken, fresh turkey breast, tofu, bison, beef.
➲Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, oats, butternut squash, quinoa, brown rice, beans, lentils, chia seeds, buckwheat, barley, whole grain bread.
➲Healthy fats: Olives, olive oil, avocados, avocado oil, coconut, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, tahini, pesto, ground flaxseeds.
➲Dairy and non-dairy products: Greek yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, almond milk, coconut milk, goat cheese, kefir, unsweetened milk.
➲Condiments: Salsa, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, spices, herbs, stone-ground mustard, horseradish, nutritional yeast, sauerkraut, hot sauce, raw honey, stevia.
➲Beverages: Unsweetened seltzer, sparkling water, green tea, coffee, ginger tea, unsweetened iced tea.
These are just some examples of the many healthy, delicious foods you can add to your shopping list.
To simplify your shopping, organize your list by what makes the most sense to you.
For example, avocado is technically a fruit, but most people associate it with being a delicious source of healthy fat.
No matter how you prepare your list, be sure it is organized and easy to read so you can have a stress-free shopping experience.
SUMMARY: There are many healthy foods you can add to a nutritious grocery list. Adding mostly whole, unprocessed foods to your diet will help you get healthier and reach your nutrition goals.
The Bottom Line
Grocery shopping doesn't have to be complicated. Using a shopping list to guide you through the grocery store is an excellent way to stick to your nutrition goals. Plus, preparing a meal plan and shopping list can save you time and money.
Given its potential benefits, creating a healthy grocery shopping list should be at the top of your to-do list.