Food that makes us healthy is widely available at local markets without shopping for health food stores. Fresh produce, whole grain breads and low-fat dairy items as well as poultry and fish are all easily found in the main areas of the supermarket without shopping among the granola, tofu and boutique organic fare. A few common-sense rules make choosing healthy foods a snap.
Get Colorful
Make sure to include a good variety of nutrition, vitamins and minerals by choosing a variety of colors in the fresh produce department of the market. The more colors are represented, the better the chance all the nutrients needed for a healthy diet will be present. MayoClinic.com states that by making the fresh produce section the first stop in food shopping, plenty of choices for snacking, making salads and fixing tasty side dishes will be available. The fresher and less processed, the more likely full nutrition and dietary fiber will be a part of the meal.
Hold Out for Whole Grains
Whole grain foods contain B-complex vitamins, iron and dietary fiber needed for good digestion. MyPyramid.gov states that whole grain choices are better than refined flour breads, cereals and pastas because of the nutrition and fiber is lost in the milling process of refining flour. If the label on bread or cereal doesn't specifically state it is whole grain, then natural nutrients and fiber aren't guaranteed even if the packaging touts enrichment or nutrient restoration.
Pick Protein Teamed With Less Fat
Low-fat dairy products, poultry and fish pack more protein with less fat than whole milk products and red meat choices. The Harvard School of Public Health states that a choice of salmon over similar portions of steak will include nearly as much protein as the steak with about a quarter of the fat. In the dairy aisle, choose low-fat or even no-fat dairy products and yogurt to get the best protein to fat balance.
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