Best Food Forward: Plan, Shop, Cook, Enjoy!

March is Nutrition Month! The theme for this year is “Best Food Forward: Plan Shop Cook Enjoy!” The focus is on giving practical advice on navigating the grocery store, as healthy eating starts there.

Ever feel like you just don’t have the time to plan your meals and more importantly what you’re going to buy at the grocery store? You know you want to buy fresh, but the thought of figuring out what you are going to do with those fresh ingredients makes you cringe. It’s too much work! Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Dietitians of Canada completed a poll in Spring 2012 where they found that 63% of Canadians struggle with making healthier food choices at least half the time they shop. Only 37% plan their meals in advance and 58% of Canadians reported they always or very often cook a balanced meal for themselves or family.

What can you do?

Plan: Before you head to the store think about what you or your family would want to eat for the week. Review what you already have in the kitchen and make a grocery list.

Shop: Shopping the outside perimeter of the grocery store is always best. Fill your cart with foods from all food groups focusing on fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid highly processed foods that tend to be high in fat and salt. Read food labels and compare products when necessary.

Cook: Prepare your meals from scratch! Frozen fruits, ready-to-go salads and pre-chopped vegetables are nutritious short cuts to help you prepare a great healthy meal.

Here is a fact sheet with more information on including fresh foods in your grocery cart.

Also check out eatTipster at www.eatipster.com . Here you can download an app for your Ipad or Iphone to get healthy eating tips from Registered Dietitians every day!

Happy Nutrition Month!