Sensible Supermarket Selections

With hectic schedules and limited time, it’s easy to gravitate toward the ready–to–eat food sections. But considering unhealthy sodium and sugar contents, you’ll be paying for more than convenience. When you arm yourself with knowledge, planning, and a little willpower, you can say no to cookies or pizzas — and fill your cart with delicious, nutritious foods that bolster your health:

• Buy a rainbow: Fruits and vegetables in different color categories tend to have different nutrition profiles, so choosing items from each color of the rainbow is a good way to get a healthy variety.
• Go for whole grains: Whole grains are a great choice for a strong body. Generally low in fat, they’re rich in complex carbs — your body’s preferred choice of fuel — and jam–packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Check the ingredients list. A good whole grain source will have 100% or whole (type of grain) listed as the first ingredient. Whole grains listed farther down mean there’s probably not much in the product.
• Skip the deli and head for the butcher counter: Deli meat is often high in sodium and additives. Ask for the nutrition details to make an educated choice. Better yet, have fresh fish, turkey, or other lean protein this week.