A Grocery Store Roadmap for Healthy Foods
It can be challenging to shop for healthy items in a grocery store. Brands use colorful packaging, enticing sales, and perfect product placement to catch your eye and get you to purchase the less nutritious option. Healthcare Services Group Registered Dietitian Constance Dixon shares tips to make healthy grocery shopping easier, avoid unhealthy foods, and navigate the aisles with this grocery store roadmap.
Start in the Dairy SectionGo for low-fat/non-fat products or plant-based products. Plant-based products are perfect for those with dairy allergies.
Next, Move to the Frozen Foods SectionGo for frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruit lasts longer and is great for smoothies or a topping for yogurt. Frozen vegetables are good as a quick side for lunch or dinner. Most frozen vegetables come in microwavable steam bags, which helps in reducing dirty dishes and time spent cooking.
Take a Turn Toward the Bakery or Bread SectionSelect whole grain products containing complex carbohydrates that your body digests more slowly. These carbs also enter the bloodstream slower than white bread – which is usually a simple carbohydrate that digests quickly and enters the bloodstream much faster, leading to blood glucose spikes.
Head Over to the Meat DepartmentChoose lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, and lean cuts of beef. These are better for your body and cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels.
Cross the Finish Line in ProduceMost fresh fruits and vegetables are the best choices for meals and snacks. When picking fresh fruits and vegetables, choose those with a good outside appearance, little-to-no bruising, and vibrant colors. Always try to eat the rainbow. This provides you with the most antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to function properly.
Bonus Tip: Stick to the Outside Aisles as Much as PossibleFresh and healthy foods tend to be in the outer aisles, while more processed and unhealthy foods are in the grocery store’s center aisles.
Get more great tips from Healthcare Services Group’s knowledgable Registered Dietitian by visiting the Nutrition Tips section of HCSG.com/Blog. To learn more about how a Registered Dietitian can positively impact your facility, visit HCSG.com/Nutrition.
Constance Dixon, BS, RDN, LDN | constance.dixon@hcsgcorp.com
“I am passionate about helping others live their happiest, healthiest lives through proper nutrition and physical activity!”
Constance started her dietitian journey as a chef. She switched her interest and began attending Lipscomb University in 2016. After graduating in 2019, Constance completed a dietetic internship at Marshall University in 2020. The following year, Constance joined the HCSG team as a Registered Dietitian working in Tennessee. “I love what I do and being a part of the HCSG team.”