Start with the Cart!

Eating right starts with shopping right. Walking into a large grocery store can be overwhelming and very tempting. So how do I tackle the grocery beast and get the right nutrients in your cart? It's easy.

DO NOT listen to the tip: "Stick to the perimeter". This is only partially true. Because what always lies at the back of the store along the perimeter? The evil frozen food section....

I have to admit, I am a student and I do buy only one thing frozen: fish. I eat  a lot of fish, but fresh fish and a student budget just don't mix well.

Before buying frozen I always look at the salt content. Salt can be that demon in frozen fish.

Generally, I like to stay in only a few sections: produce, meat and poultry and dairy. The freshest and healthiest foods lie in these tranquil parts of the grocery jungle.  Sometimes I will venture deep into the scary shelves to find a few of my favourite packaged food. Including Kraft Natural Peanut Butter, Red River cereal, Minute Brown rice and seasonings.

Eating healthy doesn't have to be bland and flavourless. I always stock up my cart with flavours and spices from the cooking section. My favourite seasonings are from Mrs. Dash, McCormick's No Salt Added or Club House: One Step Seasoning. Any bold seasoning is sure to spice up your life and make cooking easy. I would not be able to live without my Club House cajun or tex mex seasoning.
The one spice I always have to buy is cinnamon! I put it on everything, from cottage cheese and greek yogurt to sweet potatoes.

It is smart to save a general shopping list on my computer.
It has all my favourites and essentials to keep my diet in check. Any time I find a new favourite health food I make sure to put it on my list!
Here's my shopping list bible:

Become a smart shopper and keep your fridge and cupboards 'cheat' free!