Small Steps: Simple Switches You Can Make to Your Grocery List Toward a Healthier Diet

Eating healthy can be a challenge for any household. Between the different food preferences of the different members of the house, how busy parents can get, and differing schedules, it is sometimes easier to order in, stick to very basic recipes known to be loved by everyone (fried chicken is often a favourite), and just get everyone fed versus getting everyone fed with healthy food. Eating healthy can be much easier than most busy parents anticipate, though, and very often it’s as simple as choosing what to make available in the home.

It all starts with the grocery list. You will eat what you buy, and if you buy healthy then you will eat healthy. Yes, this can still be a challenge, but here are some easy switches you can make as early as your next run to the supermarket:

• Nuts as snacks

Nix the chips and the cookies. Opt for nuts as snacks! Mixed nuts, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, etc. are all easily and often readily available at every grocery store. They make for great snacks–filled with good fats and protein–and they’re the kind of finger snacks that kids enjoy too! Just make sure you choose the unsalted options so as not to increase your household’s sodium intake by accident!

• Dried beans 

Beans, such as white beans, lentils, kidneys beans, etc. are great for making soups and stews that are carbohydrate and protein rich at the same time.  Simmering a pot of beans with some chicken or beef stock and loading the soup with carrots, celery, broccoli, and other vegetables (feel free to experiment!) can help increase your household’s vegetable intake while keeping meals leaner and healthier.

• Choose oats over cereal

Let’s face it, unless you’re actively choosing Special K, cereal is full of sugar. Even if the box says it’s fortified with protein and vitamins, every bite is also a spoonful of sugar. Choosing oatmeal over sugary cereals is a good way to get an easy-to-cook breakfast food in your cupboards while also staying healthy.

• Choose honey over sugar

On the subject of sugar, choosing to sweeten things with honey (if items really need sweetening) is also a good alternative to white sugar. In general, however, using less sugar is a good practice!

• Choose whole wheat pasta / brown rice

Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up staples, but it could mean choosing the healthier alternatives. For pasta and rice lovers, choosing whole wheat pasta or brown rice. You can also choose other items, like adlai, as an alternative. Whatever can help lower your and your family’s glycemic index is usually a good step towards healthier living!

For some, giving the family fair warning before making these switches can help prevent a coup or any other violent reactions.  The more prepped and primed the family members are, the more successful you will be!