You’ve heard it a million times: Fruits and vegetables are good while cheese doodles and shortbread cookies are bad. Not exactly rocket science and yet many people still aren’t stocking their pantries with healthy food choices. I’m talking about the ones that give you optimum nutrition for your buck (and storage space). Here are the foods to put on your grocery list—and keep there—for a healthy diet:
Yogurt
Keep your “good” digestive bacteria at a healthy level with yogurts containing live, active cultures. Warning: Yoplait Whips and yogurt with sugary toppings are packed full of sugar so it’s best to stick with plan yogurt and top it with healthy fruit or granola instead. Not sure if your yogurt is low in sugar? Remember to check the label. Also, remember to check the label on “kids” yogurt – sometimes they are packed full of sugar as well. In addition to keeping your digestive track happy, yogurt is also filling and loaded with calcium, potassium and vitamin B.
Wild Salmon
Unlike some other types of fish, studies have shown that mercury levels are relatively low in salmon. This is good news as it also contains omega-3’s. Why go wild? Farm-raised salmon can be more prone to disease and may have been exposed to or treated with antibiotics.
Eggs
In my house, we call it “brain food” because at only 70 to 80 calories each, they are packed full of protein. Buy fresh eggs and then cook them up for a quick boost of protein in your breakfast.
Leafy Greens
Healthy greens like lettuce, broccoli rabe, swiss chard and kale are full of nutritious and delicious vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in greens have a lower risk of cancer. If you’re low on vitamins, add some spinach to your salad. Anyone who has followed a MealDiva Plan knows that spinach is a favorite vegetable of mine because it’s loaded with iron and vitamin K, the latter of which may prevent osteoporosis, diabetes and arthritis. Leafy greens are also good for your waist- line!