One of the best ways to combat cravings is to find a less process and healthy snacks at your local grocery store. You can typically find a few options that scream “Organic”, “Gluten Free” or even “Vegan”, but this doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good for you. Most packaged snacks tend to be highly processed with high amounts of refined sugar.

What should you look for:

• Minimum of 3g fiber
• Natural sugar: honey, maple syrup, dates, and stevia are all good options
• Review the ingredients. If there’s a long list of processed ingredients don’t pick it up.
• Limit your serving. Just because it’s healthier doesn’t mean you should finish the box. 

Starting off with a healthy grocery list is the first step to a fruitful week of clean eating. Here’s our pointers to help you make good choices:

Veggies

• A leafy green which is great for a quick salad.

• One or two cold cut veggie for snacking or to include to your meals.

• A starchy vegetable, like sweet potatoes and yams, or legumes. Great to keep on hand in order to consume a raw source of fiber.

Fruits

• Apples and bananas are normally our preferred fruit because they are great for pre and post workout meals and have a lot nutritional content.

• Another fruit in season. Maybe unnecessary, but if you love fruit like we do then add it.

• Avocados is the super food must-have for any grocery list because its great on salads, to make into guacamole, and many other delicious alternatives.

Carbohydrates

• One grain choice such as Ezekiel bread, quinoa, or a high fiber whole grain tortilla.

• Oatmeal or an all natural cereal for a breakfast option.

Protein

• Two protein source to create meals with such as chicken or fish.

• Eggs or egg whites are one of the best sources of protein, therefore its always on our shopping list.

Diary

• Greek yogurt or cottage cheese are great for breakfast or late night snack. Just ensure that its the plain and has no added sugar, because we can always add fruit or other toppings ourselves.

• Milk or milk alternative. We prefer almond, coconut or cashew milk because we like to limit our dairy intake and they also last longer than regular milk.

• Cheese. We only buy cheese if we are making a certain recipe, but if you love your cheeses go ahead and buy one.

Snacks and Other

• An other snack options just as nuts, rice cakes or other healthy snacks.

• Oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, for baking and to include “good” fats to our diet.

• Chai or flax seeds are great to add extra healthy fats and fiber to our meals.

TIPS:

Create Shopping List Before: This way you can prepare meal with shared ingredients and avoid over buying food.

Prepare Realistic Amount Meals: There is no need to prepare every single meal because some will end up in the trash on Sundays. Spontaneous plans occur so allow flexibility in your meal planning. Prepare four to five lunches and breakfast, three to five dinners and some am and pm snacks.

Buying Sweets: I personally do not like buying packaged sweets during my grocery shopping. However, I do buy a few ingredients in order to create a quick dessert, like mug cake or protein balls, when the craving creeps in.

Tight Budget: Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Buy in season fruit and veggies. Find whats on sale at your nearest grocery store and buy food in bulk and freeze.