Thursday, May 5, 2011

What's in your grocery bag?

Aim to be a cauntious label reading shopper. Always make a list before heading to the grocery store, and stick to the list. This helps rid of unwanted, unneeded and unhealthy last minute purchases.

What's in my grocery bag today?

Barbara's Puffins (Cinnamon) - This is one of my favourite snacks. It kicks my sweet and crunching cravings in the butt, and it's healthy! It's fruit juice sweetened, made with whole ingredients, low in fat and does not use artificial flavours, additives or preservatives.

Barbara's Fig Bars (Raspberry) - This is a great alternate to cookies. It's fruit juice sweetened, made with whole ingredients, low in fat and does not use artificial flavours, additives or preservatives.

Earth's Own Almond Fresh, Original - With only 70 calories per cup, this almond milk is not only a good source of Vitamon E, but also has a delicious nutty taste. I love adding this to teas, smoothies, and baked goods.

Zucchini - Zucchini is low in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and is a great source of dietary fiber.

Japanese Eggplant - Delicious stir-fried, sautéed, or grilled, japanese eggplant are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre and minerals.

Lemon - I start my day with juice from half a lemon in a glass of water. This adds flavour to plain water and gives the liver a light cleanse. 

AvocadoAvocados have a bad rep due to it's 'fat content,' but what many don't realize is that the avocado is high in good fat. It promotes heart health, has a wide range of anti-inflammatory benefits, supports cardiovascular health, promotes blood sugar regulation, and has anti-cancer benefits.

Apple - 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away!' Check out 10 Health Benefits of Apples.

Fresh Cilantro / Coriander - I love adding fresh cilantro / coriander to salads and stews. Coriander seeds have a health-supporting reputation that is high on the list of the healing spices. Coriander has traditionally been referred to as an "anti-diabetic" plant. It has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties and cholesterol-lowering effects.

Fresh Dill -  Add fresh dill to a plain salad to add a little spunk to your lunch or dinner. Dill protects against free radicals and carcinogens, it is an anti-bacterial spice, and helps prevent bone loss.

Bananas - The banana is potassium-powerd and a high energy fruit. Benefits include cardiovascular and eyesight protection, improving elimination, and promoting kidney health.

Baby Arugula - A dark leafy green, arugula provides a readily absorbable source of calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and potassium, as well as, vitamins A, C, K, and folic acid.

Couscous - An alternate to rice, couscous is great warm with stews and proteins, or cold as a salad mixed with vegetables and greens. Couscous is a good source of protein, fiber, niacin, selenium, and B vitamins.

TomatoesTomatoes have antioxidant benefits, promotes colon prostate, and pancreatic health, and helps reduce heart disease risk.

Almond Butter - Add it to a smoothie, or use it as a fruit and veggie dip. Rich in antioxidants, almond butter helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and control blood sugar.

Stonemill Sprouted Grains Loaf - I love the texture of grainy bread. Stonemill sprouted grains loaf helps digestion, control blood sugar levels, and keep energy levels balanced.

Stay Healthy!