A pantry stocked with healthy food simplifies your healthy eating plan. Shopping with a grocery list helps you stick to the healthier food options and leave the highly-processed foods on the shelves. A general rule for the healthiest shopping is to stick to the perimeter of the grocery store, according to Reader's Digest. This is where most of the whole foods that haven't been processed are kept, such as dairy, meats and produce.
Grains
Whole grains add a source of fiber to your diet, which reduces your risk of heart disease and leaves you feeling full longer. Avoid highly processed grains, such as white bread, white rice and regular pasta. Choose the whole grain versions when possible. Branching out to try new grains offers you variety in your healthy diet. Options include quionoa, barley, buckwheat, bulgur and millet. Most grains have similar cooking instructions and add bulk to casseroles, soups, salads or breakfast cereals.
Produce
A variety of fruits and vegetables on your shopping list supplies many necessary vitamins and minerals to the diet. Seasonal produce is often the most affordable option and tastes best since it is naturally ripe. Local produce often retains nutrients better because they go from the plant to your plate much faster. Experiment with produce that you don't normally buy for greater dietary variety.
Low-Fat Dairy
Low-fat dairy products provide your body with calcium while limiting the fat and calories. Most recipes will work the same same with low-fat dairy products as they would with a higher fat version. Milk, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream and yogurt all have low-fat versions available. Reader's Digest suggests purchasing plain yogurt and stirring in fruit spread or fresh fruit at home for lower sugar and more nutrients.
Protein
Protein supports many functions of the body, including tissue repair, hormones and bone and muscle development. Lean protein keeps your overall diet healthier. BodyBuilding.com suggests skinless chicken breast, water-packed tuna, ground turkey, fish and eggs as healthy protein sources.
Healthy Fat Sources
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthier fat options that help the body absorb certain nutrients, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Healthy fat sources to add to your shopping list include olive oil, canola oil, nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, nut butters, avocados and olives.
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