There is a time in our life that our age will catch up to us and affect certain parts of our bodies. As they say, our body is like a temple, if we don’t build it well with a strong foundation, it will crumble down over time. Just like a temple, our body needs a strong foundation as well, and how do we get a strong foundation, you may ask? A healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet.
Making a grocery list before going to the mall, not only saves time and money but is a great start to having a healthier lifestyle. If you know what you need to buy, you don’t have to go to other aisles that may lead you to purchase things you might not need.
Here are some tips for making a grocery list:
Meat and Seafood
Meat is a great source of protein but choosing parts that are high in saturated fat is bad for your body. Protein helps build up muscles and protects against heart diseases and cancer. Another good source of protein is fish, they not only help in muscle development and cardiovascular functions but also help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are some ideas on what to buy when going out for meat or seafood:
- Poultry – skinless chicken, turkey/chicken breast, ground turkey/chicken
- Red Meat – non-fatty parts of the meat, organs
- Seafood – tuna, salmon, shrimps, halibut, crab, trout
Grains, Bread or Cereals
When shopping for these types of foods, whole grains should be on the list. According to some studies, whole grains have several benefits for the body, including but not limited to a reduced risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases.
Here’s an idea of what you should pick for this type of food:
- Brown Rice
- Buckwheat
- Barley
- Millet
- Oatmeal
- Whole-wheat bread, crackers, pasta, or cereal
- Non-sugary cereal
Fruits and Vegies
Fruits and vegetables are great in providing the essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. They are also great sources of fiber which our bodies need to have a healthy digestive system. There are many ways to cook vegetables, which makes it great since you don’t have to eat the same kind of food every day.
To get the best quality and price when buying fruits and vegetables, always consider the following:
- Don’t buy off-season fruits and vegetables, they will have higher prices and lesser nutrients.
- Frozen products are just as healthy as fresh.
- Avoid purchasing too much.
- Fresh produce is sometimes put behind the older ones.
- Pre-cut fruits and veggies are more expensive.
- Try shopping on weekdays to get fresher products.
Dairy and Eggs
You can’t complete a healthy grocery list without milk and eggs. Dairy products provide your body with calcium, which your body needs to strengthen your bones and teeth. Eggs on the other hand are also rich in protein and other essential vitamins.
These items should always be on your list when buying food from the market:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
Snacks
Snacks, when chosen well can also be beneficial to your health. When buying snacks, avoid buying junk food, go for ones that offer great nutrients without the unnecessary fats and preservatives.
Here are some that you can add to your grocery list when buying snacks:
- Jerkies
- Dried Fruits
- Nuts
- Pickled Fruits
- Olives
- Seeds
- Dark Chocolate
- Popcorn
Whatever our age is, a healthy lifestyle is always recommended. Food has the greatest impact on our health. That is why it is so important that we carefully pick what we eat and avoid anything that might have a serious impact on our bodies as we get older.
