Healthy food choices are important for good health and well-being. Eating well means eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods and beverages from the food groups of MyPlate and staying within your calorie needs. This, combined with choosing foods low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, and salt (sodium) will help to ensure that you are eating a healthy diet while helping to maintain a healthy weight. If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, do so sensibly and in moderation.
Keys for making your shopping the most healthful:
➥Know Your Store!
➥Bring a List!
➥Use the Facts!
KNOW YOUR STORE
Grocery stores have thousands of products, with most food items grouped together to make your decision-making easier. Many grocery stores have sections where foods are shelved much like the food groups of MyPlate.
MyPlate food groups put foods with similar nutritional value together. These groups are:
➧Fruits
➧Vegetables
➧ Grains
➧ Milk (calcium-rich foods)
➧ Meat and Beans (protein-rich foods)
BRING A LIST
And stick to it! Healthy decisions start at home. Planning ahead can improve your health while saving you time and money. Before shopping, decide which foods you need, and the quantity that will last until your next shopping trip.
Consider creating a shopping list based on the MyPlate food groups to include a variety of healthy food choices. Think about your menu ideas when adding items to your list. Write your list to match the groups to the layout of your store.
Have everyone in your family make suggestions for the shopping list. Kids (and adults too!) are more willing to try new foods when they help to pick them.
USE THE FACTS
The Nutrition Facts that is! The Nutrition Facts panel on the food label is your guide to making healthy choices. Using the Nutrition Facts panel is important when shopping to be able to compare foods before you buy.
Enjoy food shopping while exploring different foods and learning about their Nutrition Facts. Healthy choices can make a healthy you!