Healthy Eating – Time to Spring Clean Your Grocery List

03/11/2015

Written by: @Deb_Lowther

There is an interesting correlation between what we buy at the grocery store and what we eat.  It turns out if we buy bags of cookies and bottles of fruit punch, that is what we will ultimately find to eat and drink when hunger and thirst hits.  If we stock the pantry with sugary cereals and packaged muffins, that is what our kids will choose for breakfast and snack time. It makes sense then that by changing up our shopping habits – just a little – that  we can increase the chances of our family eating healthier.

This Spring, give your shopping list and grocery cart a makeover and choose wisely when staring at the options on store shelves.  By tweaking what you already buy and reaching for the healthier version of family favorites, you can improve everyone’s eating habits.

Spring Clean Your Shopping List – Top 20 Healthy Buys

Buy real fruit NOT fruit snacks, leathers or fruit cups

Buy fresh or frozen vegetables NOT canned

Buy whole grain bread, bagels and wraps NOT white bread

Buy cheddar cheese NOT cheese slices

Buy natural peanut butter NOT hydrogenated oil peanut butter

Buy maple syrup NOT artificial syrup

Buy granola bars based on protein content NOT chocolate and marshmallow content

Buy these oats and NOT prepackaged just-add-water oatmeal

Buy whole grain pasta NOT artificially flavoured just-add water packages

Buy skinless chicken breasts NOT battered wings

Buy lean ground turkey NOT hamburger

Buy real fish fillets NOT battered sticks in a box

Buy tuna packed in water NOT oil

Buy plain milk NOT premixed chocolate milk

Buy full fat or greek yogurt NOT aspartame, flavoured and coloured tubes

Buy whole grain cereal low sugar NOT coloured fruity, chocolate o’s

Buy 100% juice NOT punch, cocktails or anything labeled a sport drink

Buy real potatoes NOT canned, flaked or boxed

Buy almonds, dried fruit and plain whole grain cereal for on-the-go snacks NOT shaped crackers

Buy ingredients to make healthy muffins & cookies NOT pre packaged and processed ones

This Spring change a few of your shopping habits and fill your grocery cart with healthier options and your family will enjoy the benefits of healthier eating!

BIO – Deb Lowther is a mother of 3 young daughters who, when not running after the kids, is running in the trails. She contributes Family Health articles to many websites and magazines and ensures her own family has fun while eating healthy & staying active.  Find more inspiring tips on her website http://www.raisinghealthkids.co and her new Yummy Mummy Club column Family on the Run. Follow her on both Twitter @Deb_Lowther and Pinterest.