Jennifer has successfully started implementing Step One. I think it’s time for Jennifer to graduate to step two. Since she no longer purchases unhealthy junk such as soda, her husband now has to drive somewhere to purchase his beloved Mountain Dew. Let’s congratulate Jennifer for refusing to buy that detestable poison and starting to purchase new healthier, delicious options. On to Step Two.
“What are some healthy things I can pack for my kids lunches?” Jennifer was grocery shopping and frustrated. Her kids usual lunches include Hawaiian punch, fruit cups, PB&J, potato chips, and a cookie. After discussing some healthy substitutions, she purchased water bottles, fresh fruit, ingredients for a healthy sandwich, Sun chips, and Clif bars. As we ended our conversation she uttered, “I’m having to completely re-learn how to grocery shop.”
Step Two: Completely re-learn how to grocery shop. First, make a list of healthy meals you plan to make within the next 10 days. Begin your grocery list by writing down the needed ingredients from those recipes. Next, use healthy substitutions and quick tips to find other ideas for snacks and add those items to your list. While shopping, stick to your list, have self control, and READ THE INGREDIENTS ON EACH LABEL!
What challenges are you facing while re-learning how to grocery shop?
I had to completely re-learn how to cook AND shop about a year ago. I was helping my husband with some homework for a nutrition class and it involved tracking our diet and measuring them against mediterranean diet standards. Let’s just say I was killing us both slowly. We cut out, almost completely, carby/starchy sides (we haven’t had rolls or french fries with dinner in a year), added another serving of fruits/vegetables, eat lean meats instead of beef and sausages, make lighter versions of our favorite mexican and italian dishes, cook with whole wheat whenever possible, and I make all of our bread products because I know EXACTLY what will go into them. It’s had a great affect on our health and we both lost weight, simply by eating healthy. My favorite way to sneak in more produce is to have a smoothie with dinner.
LOVE your comment! Thank you! It’s an eye opening experience once you start learning what ingredients are really in our foods. Smoothies are a great way to add additional fruits, vegetables, and protein. Smoothie recipes coming soon! Keep sharing your comments, Cali.