Grocery Shopping: Keeping It Easy!

Grocery shopping can be one of two things, it can either be really complicated or really easy. I prefer the really easy option as I like to save time, money, and eat things that are going to positively contribute to my health. Which option will you choose? Really Complicated: Shopping for processed foods, you will constantly have to read labels and will either stress over macro-nutrient info such as fat/sugar/calories/carbs or you are searching the LONG list of ingredients for hidden allergenic items such as soy and lactose. Because of this, you will waste the limited time you already don't have and will spend your hard earned money on food that are bad for you and will not contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Really Easy: Shopping for fresh whole foods that either do not have a label (e.g. fruits, lean meats, veggies, nuts) or items that may have a label but don't have a mile long list of ingredients, preferably under 5 ingredients but ideally 2 to 3. This will not only save you time, but will also save you money because you will not buy naughty snacks and other items that won't contribute to your goals, and in the long run you will live a healthier life and spend less money on doctor bills and unnecessary medications.

When I go grocery shopping, I usually order my groceries online on Fresh Direct or go to a grocery store in my neighborhood. I love ordering groceries online because it is pretty easy to stay focused and not go crazy on things that I do not need and aren't on my meal plan. FD also has some pretty amazing deals on chicken and other bulk items that you can't always get at the local grocery store and as an added bonus, I can easily copy my last order and get my shopping done in minutes. I will buy a variety of veggies, salsas, and meats, that way I can make a different meal each time and don't always feel like I am eating the same thing over and over. I realize that not everyone has access to an online grocery store, but you can choose to make easy and healthy choices at any grocery store you go to and especially if you have access to a bulk store like Sam's Club or Costco. Happy and healthy shopping!

This is my shopping list that I use on a weekly to biweekly basis:

    • Chicken breast
    • Extra lean ground turkey breast
    • Canned pink salmon - skinless and boneless
    • Egg white carton
    • Whole jumbo eggs
    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Salsa - Margaritaville brand (Sounds cheesy, but it is amazing!)
    • Frozen vegetables - spinach, kale, green beans, veggie mix
    • Fresh vegetables
    • Tomatoes
    • Old Fashioned Rolled Oatmeal
    • Red apples
    • Instant coffee (I love to add it into my protein shakes for an extra boost!)
    • Unsweetened apple sauce
    • Pumpkin Puree (Not the pumpkin pie mix)
    • Almond Milk unsweetened 40 calories

 

Extras that I keep on hand, but I don't necessarily buy on a weekly basis:

  • Cinnamon spice
  • Pumpkin Spice
  • Unsweetened baking cocoa
  • Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (to cook with or add to my shakes)
  • Ground Flax Meal
  • Liquid Stevia
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Baking powder
  • Almond extract
  • PB2 peanut butter
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Unsweetened Coconut flakes

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