Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which are all essential for good health. Aim to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal.
Here are some of the best fruits and vegetables to stock up on:
- Apples: A good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Bananas: A good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6.
- Berries: A good source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
- Broccoli: A good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
- Carrots: A good source of vitamin A, fiber, and potassium.
- Celery: A good source of fiber, vitamin K, and potassium.
- Cucumbers: A good source of hydration, electrolytes, and vitamin K.
- Greens (spinach, kale, romaine lettuce): A good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.
- Oranges: A good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
- Potatoes: A good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Sweet potatoes: A good source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
- Tomatoes: A good source of vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help you feel full and satisfied, and they may also help reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Here are some of the best whole grains to stock up on:
- Brown rice: A good source of fiber, magnesium, and selenium.
- Bulgur: A good source of fiber, protein, and iron.
- Oats: A good source of fiber, protein, and iron.
- Quinoa: A good source of fiber, protein, and iron.
- Whole-wheat bread: A good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Whole-wheat pasta: A good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Lean Protein
Lean protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It can help you build and maintain muscle mass, and it can also help you feel full and satisfied.
Here are some of the best lean protein sources to stock up on:
- Beans: A good source of protein, fiber, and iron.
- Chicken: A good source of protein, niacin, and selenium.
- Fish: A good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.
- Lentils: A good source of protein, fiber, and iron.
- Low-fat dairy products: A good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
- Nuts: A good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Seeds: A good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Tofu: A good source of protein, iron, and calcium.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential for good health. They can help your body absorb vitamins, build cells, and produce hormones.
Here are some of the best healthy fats to stock up on:
- Avocados: A good source of healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A good source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E.
- Nuts: A good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Seeds: A good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Fatty fish: A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.
Snacks
Healthy snacks can help you stay on track with your healthy eating goals. They can also help you avoid unhealthy cravings and overeating.
Here are some of the best healthy snacks to stock up on:
- Fruit: A good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Vegetables: A good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Nuts: A good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Seeds: A good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Yogurt: A good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.
- Hard-boiled eggs: A good source of protein, iron, and selenium.
- Whole-wheat crackers: A good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Hummus: A good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Guacamole: A good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin C.
Tips for Stocking Up on Healthy Foods
- Make a list of the healthy foods you want to stock up on. This will help you stay focused when you’re at the grocery store.
- Buy in bulk when possible. This can help you save money and time in the long run.
- Store your healthy foods in a convenient place. This will make it easier for you to reach for them when you’re hungry.
- Keep your healthy foods fresh. This will help them retain their nutrients and flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with new healthy foods. You may be surprised at what you like!
Filling Out Your Pantry
Here are 4 useful tables that can help you fill out your pantry with healthy foods:
Food Group | Foods to Stock Up On |
---|---|
Fruits | Apples, bananas, berries, broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers, greens, oranges, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes |
Vegetables | Brown rice, bulgur, oats, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta |
Lean Protein | Beans, chicken, fish, lentils, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, tofu |
Healthy Fats | Avocados, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish |
Snack | Nutrients |
---|---|
Fruit | Vitamins, minerals, fiber |
Vegetables | Vitamins, minerals, fiber |
Nuts | Protein, fiber, healthy fats |
Seeds | Protein, fiber, healthy fats |
Yogurt | Protein, calcium, probiotics |
Hard-boiled eggs | Protein, iron, selenium |
Whole-wheat crackers | Fiber, vitamins, minerals |
Hummus | Protein, fiber, healthy fats |
Guacamole | Healthy fats, fiber, vitamin C |
Food | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple | 1 medium | 95 | 0.3 | 25 | 0.5 |
Banana | 1 medium | 105 | 0.4 | 27 | 1.3 |
Broccoli | 1 cup cooked | 30 | 0.4 | 6 | 2.6 |
Carrot | 1 medium | 25 | 0.2 | 6 | 0.9 |
Celery | 1 stalk | 6 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 0.4 |
Chicken | 3 ounces cooked | 140 | 3.5 | 0 | 26 |
Fish | 3 ounces cooked | 120 | 5 | 0 | 20 |
Lentils | 1 cup cooked | 230 | 0.9 | 40 | 18 |
Oatmeal | 1 cup cooked | 150 | 2.5 | 27 | 5 |
Peanut butter | 2 tablespoons | 190 | 16 | 7 | 8 |
Quinoa | 1 cup cooked | 220 | 4 | 40 | 8 |
Spinach | 1 cup cooked | 7 | 0.8 | 3 | 1 |
Sweet potato | 1 medium | 100 | 0.2 | 24 | 2.4 |
Tofu | 3 ounces | 80 | 4 | 0 | 10 |
Whole-wheat bread | 2 slices | 130 | 2 | 25 | 5 |
Whole-wheat pasta | 1 cup cooked | 220 | 2 | 43 | 8 |
Nutrient | Recommended Daily Intake |
---|---|
Vitamin C | 75-90 mg |
Vitamin A | 700-900 mcg |
Vitamin E | 15 mg |
Calcium | 1,000-1,200 mg |
Iron | 8-18 mg |
Fiber | 25-30 g |
Omega-3 fatty acids | 250-500 mg |