Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips
Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips
An essential step for losing weight is learning how to buy the right foods . Make a list and follow these tips to choose healthy and delicious foods at your next trip to the grocery store .
• Plan your menus for the week .
• Check ads for sale items and clip coupons .
• Plan to buy a variety of items to provide balanced nutrition .
• Assure plan includes Grains , Vegetables , Fruits , Dairy Products , Meat and Meat Alternatives , and Fats .
Grains
Whole wheat flour and whole grains provide fiber , vitamins and minerals .
• Check the label to see that 100 % whole-wheat flour is the first ingredient .
• Choose bread and crackers that are whole grain and high in fiber ( 5g fiber or more per serving ).
• Brown rice has the most nutrients and is high in fiber too .
• Choose whole grain pasta and cereals only .
• Read labels for sugar and fat content .
• Cereal must have more fiber than sugar .
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins , antioxidants , fiber and are low in fat .
• Shop for produce in-season , it ’ s most flavorful and saves money .
• Long-lasting produce : carrots , apples , grapefruit , melons and oranges .
• Frozen fruits and veggies are a good option as well .
• Choose fruits packed in water or their own juices and vegetables canned without salt .
• Opt for vegetables rich in color such as red , orange , and green .
Dairy Products
Dairy products provide calcium , riboflavin , vitamins A and D and are also a source of protein .
• Plan to purchase a variety of products .
• Stock up on skim milk , fat free yogurt and low-fat ( 2 %) cheeses that are natural , for example : Cheddar , Swiss , Colby , Ricotta , Provolone , Mozzarella .
• Read nutrition labels for fat and sugar content .
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