Suggestions to help me revamp my shopping list?

Hello all!

I'm really trying to get away from processed foods, foods high in sugar and/or salt, and stick to whole foods that are lower in calories. Don't get me wrong, I love my 100-calorie packs, low-fat chewy granola bars & canned soups ... but I've found from trending my food here on CC that I'm WAY over what I should be getting for my salt & sugar. Here's the catch, though ... I don't want food that takes forever to prepare or tastes like dirt or cardboard! :-) For instance, I had a can of albacore tuna and an apple for lunch today - perfect. I also want some variety so I don't get burnt out on the healthy stuff & go back to my old habits of eating what tastes good or is new, regardless of it's nutritional value.

Some background on me: 37 y.o. woman, 5'7", 201 lbs currently with a goal weight of 148. I used to be a WeightWatchers member, so I know how to eat a healthy diet (lost 35 lbs at one time, but gained it all back), but I've always relied on quick, easy, low-cal processed stuff. But, that kind of stuff is usually full of carbs that seem to leave me hungry sooner. I know that I stay fuller on high fiber & protein foods. There aren't many things I don't like ... love fish, fruits, veggies, etc.

So, that being said, I'm open to suggestions for a revamped shopping list. What works for you? What hasn't? Where are you shopping? Fire away!

Marie!

Hey, I have a Yummy Healthy Food Blog dedicated to this very topic (see my profile if you are interested). There are tons of foods out there that aren't full of artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, high fructose corn syrup, or hydrogenated oils that are not only healthy but are super yummy too! There are tons of options including: fage yogurt, kashi and other whole grain cereals, almond and soy milk, various low fat cheeses, whole wheat pasta, and sorbets and even chocolate.

Hope that helps!
Elizabeth

Awesome! I'll check out your blog, thanks!

My favorite way is to cook or sort of cook one day of the weekend and then reinvent it in different ways throughout the week.

Rice (wild or brown) or pasta (whole grain/flax)...make 5-10 servings.  You'll use these for preparing meals for the week.

Some kind of lean meat or protein, roasted chicken, pork chops, fish, etc.

Veggies.  Green beans, broccoli, snap peas, etc.

I typically buy frozen veggies so that I don't have to worry about spoilage.  Broccoli and green beans are my favorites these days.  I then make a variety of lunches and dinners for the week using one serving of the rice or pasta, one serving of the protein and as many veggies as I can stuff into the container.  With the green beans you don't have to cook them, they'll steam just perfectly when you reheat the left overs.  Then with the protein you can add a dollop of your favorite dressings, BBQ sauce one day, mustard another, maybe a soy sauce for another.

I also love pasta salads...stuff as many fresh veggies that sound good in them.  Baby tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, dress it with a dash of olive oil, some feta cheese, salt, pepper, and rosemary.

smwhipple, sounds like we eat much the same stuff, except I have to have my veggies fresh :)

I discovered a new fish you all might be interested in, well it's not a new fish but it's new to me. It's steelhead salmon, aka rainbow trout (apparently its steelhead salmon if it's from salt water, rainbow trout if it's from freshwater). It has the most wonderfully moist texture and delicate flavour, is high in omega 3 fatty acids and all that good stuff but has less fat than sockeye or even coho. It's definately going to become a new staple in my fish selections.

I love to cook, but when i am not in the mood and just cooking for me, I simplify...a peice of lean protein like boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, pork tenderloin or sirloin chop, fish, or occasionally a lean cut of red meat. Grilled more often than not. Accompanied by a big pile of veggies, either steamed or stir-fried or grilled with lemon, herbs and lots of pepper. That is the basis of my "alone" meals, and it's pretty similar at other times too just add some whole grain rice or bread. In the wonter, I like to make a lot of soups and stews, it's so easy to make really hearty meals that are low in fat and cals and sodium when you are cooking yourself! I have a bunch of recipes I invented for healthy eating that are just light versions of some North American favourites if you are interested.

this

List of the World's Healthiest Foods

was my shopping list when I first started here at CC back in 2006

I printed it, crossed off the foods I don't like, and tried as many of those foods as I could, different ones each week.  It's a habit now.

Thank you all so much! Your suggestions & ideas will definitely help. :-)

Marie

I bought some of that fish too this week. Never had seen it before.  It's in my freezer, but definitely am glad to read that you like it.

My basic rule of thumb when grocery shopping:  If its in a box, it is not going home with me today!

I like that rule, Keith! I don't want to shock my system, though, so I think I'll start by trying to cut in half the number of boxed, processed things I bring home from the store. :-)

If you have a natural foods store or your grocery has a organic or natural section- start there. I am lucky to have Publix and Whole Foods very near by. I love raw almonds. I take them with me everywhere. Also, Kashi has some really good pizza's out. The thin crust is my favorite for day's I dont want to cook.

Pick some of the vegetables/fruits that you have always seen and wondered "what the heck is that". Research it online and attempt cooking it or using it in a recipe. Think of changing up your diet as an adventure to another country rather than a chore. I was a "instant dinner" kind of girl - now I love the fresh produce section!

Good idea! Maybe I'll try one new "what the heck is that" item per week.

Thanks!