by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: July 09, 2009   Last Updated: October 06, 2010

People have busier lives than ever. All of the obligations of work, family, getting the kids to school, supervising homework, taking care of our homes, and other responsibilities, it isn't surprising that when people go to the grocery store, they tend to opt for convenience over health. The financial hardship that more and more people are having to face makes it understandable that price has to become the most important consideration when it comes to shopping for food. 

Regardless of how busy your life is or how stressed you may be financially, it is still possible to purchase healthy foods when you go to the grocery store.

*Avoid instant and packaged foods -

If you are aiming for healthy foods, most of those prepackaged or shelf stable prepared foods. Those foods will probably have loads of additives and sodium, and they are also high in calories and lacking in nutritional value.

*Look for unprocessed foods -

The healthiest foods that you can buy in a grocery store are those that undergo the least amount of processing. Lean meats, fresh fish and fresh fruits and vegetables are very healthy, and you can't go wrong if the brunt of your shopping trip consists of purchases of fresh produce.

*Read ingredient labels -

It is very easy to fall into the trap that something that appears to be healthy is. Canned fruit or vegetables may seem perfectly healthy, if you were to read the ingredient labels, you'd discover that they may be loaded with sugar, sodium, high fructose corn syrup or any other non-food ingredients. When purchasing bread and/or cereal, look for whole grains as the primary ingredient, and check the fiber content. The more fiber you find in a bread, cereal or other grain product, the fuller you will feel and the healthier the product is.

*Resist the temptation to buy soft drinks and juice drinks -

Soft drinks are anything but healthy. Regular soft drinks contain about 10 teaspoons full of sugar per twelve ounce serving. Sugar free soft drinks may not contain calories or sugar, but they tend to make people hungrier and that makes them eat more. Juice drinks are full of additives that contain nothing but empty calories. You would be better off getting flavored water beverages or low calorie or calorie free enhanced water and/or sports drinks.

*Steer clear of junk foods -

When you are trying to shop for healthy foods, junk foods can really sabotage all of that, not to mention the fact that they can derail your healthy or healthier eating habits. If

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>