Simple guidelines

Here are some simple guidelines when thinking about what foods to eat and how to navigate the grocery store:

Eat mostly whole foods

Whole foods mean foods that come in their original form, rather than broken down and processed. For example, a head of broccoli, an apple, whole grain rice, or an egg.

Eat colorful meals

Choose to build a meal that has a variety of colors in it, which will often come from fruits and vegetables.  Phytonutrients give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors and provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. 

Eat healthy fats

Fat gets a bad reputation but it is vital for a healthy diet.  Fats help build cell membranes and the covering of nerves. They facilitate the transport of essential vitamins and minerals into cells, and they are needed for blood clotting, muscle movement, and inflammation.  Enjoy fats found in olive oils, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fish. 

Shop on the outside aisles

The outermost aisles of grocery stores is usually where the most nutritious and whole foods are kept.  This will include eggs, dairy, meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Fill up on these ingredients and leave the middle aisles for last.