Healthy Thanksgiving Shopping
It is the week before Thanksgiving and many of us are preparing for the big feast! On the long list of to-dos before the guests arrive is grocery shopping. A few simple steps can make your shopping trip easier and healthier. Just incorporate some of these strategies to ensure that you have the right foods for your healthy eating plan.
Plan Ahead. Plan your Thanksgiving dinner ahead of time and take an inventory of what you already have in your pantry, so you know exactly what you need to buy.
Make a List. By making a list of what you need your shopping trip will be more efficient and will help you avoid impulse buying. Try to stick to what is on your list, but don’t let your list prevent you from trying out new healthy foods.
Do perimeter shopping. Most often the fresh produce, meat and seafood departments can be found on the aisles on the outer edge of your grocery store, and that is where you want to concentrate most of your shopping.
Don’t Go Shopping Hungry. It can be hard to resist buying those high-fat & high-calorie items especially when you are hungry. Set yourself up for success and have a healthy snack before going to the store.
Do Read the Food Labels. Routinely checking food labels helps you compare the nutritional values of various products to make healthy choices.
Don’t forget the fiber. This Thanksgiving load up on whole-grain breads and rolls, as well as brown rice and dried beans. When shopping, look for the word “Whole Wheat” at the top of the ingredients list.
Do go Green. Fill your table with vegetables! Select those vegetables deepest in color. The dark color means higher concentrations of antioxidant vitamins.
Don’t Dismiss the Frozen Produce. Most frozen fruits and vegetables contain as many nutrients as fresh produce.
Planning ahead can take a lot of the stress out of this busy holiday. Finding a balance and including healthy items at your dinner party can help you stay on track with your healthy goals and enjoy the holiday!
