Sunday Shopping--help!

Keisha604
Keisha604 Posts: 126
edited September 22 in Food and Nutrition
Tomorrow is my shopping day and I would love some suggestions on what to buy? I never know what is good for me, what isn't. If I try to buy 'healthy' I come out with almost nothing. I just usually go in without a plan and come out a little disheveled. What do you guys eat? I would love to see an 'example day'--breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Replies

  • Honey go check out www.hungrygirl.com AWESOME lowfat and non fat versions of everything with recipes! and peek at my diary
  • ickybella
    ickybella Posts: 1,438 Member
    I think this will depend on you: What do you cook? How much do you cook? What do you like to eat? I've recently started to make a meal plan on the weekend and then use that for my shopping list. I plan out all dinners for the week, figure out what I'll need for them, and buy what I don't already have. I also add things that I usually eat (apples, bananas, spinach, eggs) for breakfast, lunch, and snacks to the list so I've got my food for the whole week.
  • Red13
    Red13 Posts: 287 Member
    start with fresh fruits and vegetables. although this isn't the greatest season, you should always start with the perimeter of the store and get most of your products that are fresh. try to stay away from the packaged foods. for dairy stick to lowfat options, cottage cheese, greek yogurt.... for meats fish is the best, followed by turkey and chicken, and a good rule to follow for meat is only eat an animal that walks on 4 legs, 2 times a week. then you can get things like beans, rice, lentils, nuts, in the packaged food aisles to fill in the rest. hope this helps. it also is easier if you like to cook. if you are looking for frozen meals, etc, I'm not one to ask! lol good luck!
  • nisijam5
    nisijam5 Posts: 9,964 Member
    go to cookinglight.com and find some recipes that interest you and shop for those items...look at labels and know your goals...it's about educating yourself

    I tell my husband, if it grows on a tree...it's good for you
  • Honey go check out www.hungrygirl.com AWESOME lowfat and non fat versions of everything with recipes! and peek at my diary

    Why would you suggest low-fat or worse even... non-fat? Healthy fats are vital in weight loss as they keep you fuller longer which means you're less likely to eat a lot of crap to be satiated.
  • ladybug91254
    ladybug91254 Posts: 232 Member
    Also, go in and look at your MFP friends diaries. I get lots of ideas from there.

    Deb
  • Debtappe
    Debtappe Posts: 164 Member
    Try to keep your shopping to the outside aisle of the store. You'll find milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, juice, cheese, meats, poultry, seafood,, bakery, and fruits and vegetables, around the outside. Do you like quiche, or omelets? How about some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and vegetables for a stir fry? You will have to go into an aisle for oatmeal and/or peanut butter. Take a look at the eating well website for some good ideas for dinners. Also the food network has a healthy eating blog. Good luck.
  • Honey go check out www.hungrygirl.com AWESOME lowfat and non fat versions of everything with recipes! and peek at my diary

    Why would you suggest low-fat or worse even... non-fat? Healthy fats are vital in weight loss as they keep you fuller longer which means you're less likely to eat a lot of crap to be satiated.

    Well they are also low calorie and I happen to use alot of her recipes and I am full and I have lost 21lbs. Why dont you respond to her question rather than attack a response Kiss yourself your gorgeous
  • nisijam5
    nisijam5 Posts: 9,964 Member
    Honey go check out www.hungrygirl.com AWESOME lowfat and non fat versions of everything with recipes! and peek at my diary

    Why would you suggest low-fat or worse even... non-fat? Healthy fats are vital in weight loss as they keep you fuller longer which means you're less likely to eat a lot of crap to be satiated.

    Although, I concur to a point...low fat usually means that you will eat more sugars and leave you more hungry...you need to start somewhere if you have absolutely no idea about what is healthy...so, looking for low fat options is a good way to start
  • Kminor67
    Kminor67 Posts: 900 Member
    I buy a lot of frozen fruits and veggies. They are usually frozen within hours of picking, so they retain more nutrients than most stores' produce sections, and they cost less. Honeysuckle White ground turkey is a staple in my freezer... I've got some GREAT recipes using it, or just substitute it for ground beef in one of your own. High Fiber and Protein cereal is a must, and I eat my cereal with light vanilla soy milk. Non-fat yogurt (they have some really great flavors now), brown rice, and low-fat cheese are also staples. Do yourself a favor and check labels for sodium content as well as calories... some things that are low calorie are PACKED with sodium and still bad for you. Practice makes perfect... I learned what I did through trial and error.
  • nisijam5
    nisijam5 Posts: 9,964 Member
    Do yourself a favor and check labels for sodium content as well as calories... some things that are low calorie are PACKED with sodium and still bad for you. Practice makes perfect... I learned what I did through trial and error.

    Good point
  • Because I like making sure people are given helpful information and feel the need to point it out when they're not.

    Red, your post is great and I agree with most if not all of it. I love the perimeter trick I learned that surprisingly from a poker book. I'd not heard of the meats with 4 legs only a few days a week that's an interesting one.
  • It is helpfull information everything is helpfull not everything works for everybody. Low fat and non fat recipes are not KILLER FAT MONGERS Jesus Christ. I happen to enjoy them I am full and they are all over healthy meals. Please clarify why you are the God almighty of fitness. My pilates instructer recommends hungry girl ALL the time
  • It is a very individual thing when it comes to what we eat to lose weight. I don't watch sodium because I have no blood pressure issues and trade off the sodium for some taste if I am buying processed dinners, etc. I had gastric bypass surgery, so I look closely at protein (the more the better). But in general, you are getting good advice here - I try for foods with less ingredients listed (which are more natural and can be found around the outside perimeter of the store) but always fill in with a few frozen meals for those times I come home from work or the gym and am exhausted. It saves me from grazing. I get Smart Ones generally, and the ones high in protein. A good rule is if the protein count times three is less than or equal to the carbs, I am good. That was my nutritional doctor's advice. So, if something has 10 proteins, max 30 carbs. For snacks, fruit, almonds, pistachios, sometimes light microwave popcorn. Gives you munch and crunch without the ouch. Try protein shakes for breakfast sometimes, adding fruit, or a spoonful of peanut butter. Variety keeps me going.
  • I buy a lot of frozen fruits and veggies. They are usually frozen within hours of picking, so they retain more nutrients than most stores' produce sections, and they cost less. Honeysuckle White ground turkey is a staple in my freezer... I've got some GREAT recipes using it, or just substitute it for ground beef in one of your own. High Fiber and Protein cereal is a must, and I eat my cereal with light vanilla soy milk. Non-fat yogurt (they have some really great flavors now), brown rice, and low-fat cheese are also staples. Do yourself a favor and check labels for sodium content as well as calories... some things that are low calorie are PACKED with sodium and still bad for you. Practice makes perfect... I learned what I did through trial and error.

    Hear Hear.

    trott, one other thing. When buying cereal, bread, and most other foods, one of the best indicators of healthiness is where sugar and sugar substitutes are listed in the list of ingredients. The further down the list the better. Anything ending in ose is a type of sugar: fructose, glucose, dextrose, et cetera as is malt and corn syrup. Honey is also a sugar but it's a more natural sugar so it's not as bad as the above. When buying frozen fruits as mentioned above, be sure to go for unsweetened. Try to stay away from soups and sauces as well as they are loaded with sodium. Because I'm too lazy to make my own pasta sauce I look for the one with the least sodium content and most natural ingredients. Happy shopping!
  • nisijam5
    nisijam5 Posts: 9,964 Member

    Hear Hear.

    Because I'm too lazy to make my own pasta sauce I look for the one with the least sodium content and most natural ingredients. Happy shopping!

    Funny 'cause I find it's the easiest thing to make....throw it all in a pot and let it simmer for the day

  • Hear Hear.

    Because I'm too lazy to make my own pasta sauce I look for the one with the least sodium content and most natural ingredients. Happy shopping!

    Funny 'cause I find it's the easiest thing to make....throw it all in a pot and let it simmer for the day

    I was actually wondering something when I was typing that, maybe you can confirm for me. One of the best things to do for soups is to make your own and freeze them, is it alright to freeze the pasta sauce? Because if that's the case then I may just do as you suggested even though I rarely eat pasta these days.
  • nisijam5
    nisijam5 Posts: 9,964 Member

    Hear Hear.

    Because I'm too lazy to make my own pasta sauce I look for the one with the least sodium content and most natural ingredients. Happy shopping!

    Funny 'cause I find it's the easiest thing to make....throw it all in a pot and let it simmer for the day

    I was actually wondering something when I was typing that, maybe you can confirm for me. One of the best things to do for soups is to make your own and freeze them, is it alright to freeze the pasta sauce? Because if that's the case then I may just do as you suggested even though I rarely eat pasta these days.

    Yes, it's perfectly fine to do...I freeze the meatballs in there too...

    Also, I like the barilla Plus pasta in lieu of whole wheat or regular pasta...taste is far better then the wheat...it has a higher protein content and made with legumes as well
  • You guys are really great! I love the idea of only shopping along the outside of the grocery. I think shopping still might be a little difficult but this helps. And it's definitely a learning process. Thanks guys! =))
  • Also...this might be an odd question, but are potatoes ok to eat? For some reason I label them as a 'bad' food...but what if they're baked?
    I love potatoes in any form and don't want to cut them out.
  • If you're having potatoes be sure to eat them baked with the skin on. They're actually high in fiber and potassium as long as the skin remains intact. Fair warning though they are high in calories but are great to have post workout with a good source of protein. Obviously you can eat them whenever you like but just be warned they're not low in calories.
  • nisijam5
    nisijam5 Posts: 9,964 Member
    Agreed, try roasted red potatoes with a little olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper...if you want to splurge, add a little shredded parmesean cheese...bake 425 for about 20 minutes or until tender

    Baked potatoes can get scary because of the butter, sour cream and bacon...try, greek yogurt in place of sour cream...I haven't tried it yet...but, it seems to get great reviews
  • Red13
    Red13 Posts: 287 Member
    Also...this might be an odd question, but are potatoes ok to eat? For some reason I label them as a 'bad' food...but what if they're baked?
    I love potatoes in any form and don't want to cut them out.

    potatoes should be an occasional food. they are high starch. if you like sweet potatoes they are in season and a lot healthier!
  • clioandboy
    clioandboy Posts: 963 Member
    Hi there, feel free to take a look at my diary ( there was a 2 week period where I just quick added cals but before and after might give you some ideas)
    I like to get good value from my 1200 cals coz I don't like being hungry! I find all salad stuffs great value, veggies fresh or frozen I eat loads of. I have reduced my meat intake again coz it is high calorie and I don't get enough value out of it ( rick gallops recipes low GI for busy people includes some brilliant dishes - a couple have become my favourite meals ever!)

    I do not eat low fat dairy products I don't like them as much, I don't find them satisfying and I have arrived at the stage where I prefer to eat a little of something luscious beside loads of veg or salad, rather than a lot of something tasteless made especially for dieters- I don't want to be a dieter I want to eat well, like a slim person..... I make big pots of soup and freeze individual portions, I do this with ratatouille and Bolognese bouguinon etc too, this makes busy times easier ( the new Covent garden soup recipes are FANTASTIC)
    I do love ice cream and often have this as a dessert, I love fresh fruit. I am lucky I have time to cook but I do have to make the time! And I am convinced that to eat well is a right and well that I deserve it! I cook eat and live differently I eat less crap feel better and weigh less.... Working for me, good luck (shops don't open here on a Sunday so I envy you your Sunday shopping!) all the best Debbie
  • Red13
    Red13 Posts: 287 Member
    Because I like making sure people are given helpful information and feel the need to point it out when they're not.

    Red, your post is great and I agree with most if not all of it. I love the perimeter trick I learned that surprisingly from a poker book. I'd not heard of the meats with 4 legs only a few days a week that's an interesting one.

    I've read a few places that red meat/pork should be eaten only a few times a week. The 4-legged, 2 times a week rule I believe is from Dr. Oz.
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