Grocery Shopping Made Easy – Advice from the Experts

We get it. Finding reliable food information today is a real chore. A simple internet search will likely leave you frustrated. What’s the best way to sift through the information to get the answers you seek? Ask experts like farmers and health and wellness professionals.

Deanne Frieders of This Farm Girls Cooks aimed to do exactly that when she put together a grocery store tour at her local Hy-Vee with their dietitian on staff Lisa Brandt, RDN, LDN. Deanne’s family grows corn and soybeans in northern Illinois and Lisa has more than twenty years of experience in the health and wellness profession. Between the two of them, their experience and knowledge about food is vast.

IN THE PRODUCE SECTION

Eat berries every day. They are full of fiber and antioxidants – plus, they’re a delicious treat! Any berry will do. One cup of berries provides you with 1/3 of your daily requirement of fiber. When you’re trying to eat healthy on a budget, pay attention to what’s in season. Buy fresh produce when it is in-season, but when the season ends, and prices begin to rise, don’t be afraid to opt for frozen fruits and vegetables! They are flash frozen at the peak of freshness and are still just as nutritious.

AT THE BUTCHER COUNTER

Look for cuts with “loin” in the name to get the leanest meat. When cooking with lean meat, use the “low and slow” cooking method to make sure the final product is tender and flavorful.

SNACKING STAPLES

For optimal snack-time nutrition, Lisa recommends always eating protein and carbs together to give your body the mid-day boost it needs. Lisa and Deanne encourage taking ideas from pre-packaged snacks and meals in the store and making them your own. Bento box style lunches, wraps and even parfaits can easily be made ahead of time in your kitchen with ingredients that fit your budget! Pair cheese with your favorite whole grain bread or cracker, make deli meat and cheese wraps, or pair granola with yogurt. Peruse the grocery aisles for more snack ideas that fit your personal tastes and preferences.