Grocery Shopping for Healthy Cooking at Home

By , Monique Volz, Food Network’s Healthy Eats
Between work, exercise and a busy social life, sometimes I find it difficult to prepare myself meals during the week. It’s time consuming and after a long day in meetings the last thing I want to do is cook a meal for myself. It’s usually easier to heat up a frozen meal or to stop and grab a sandwich on my way home. So what’s the problem with this?

Well I’m spending money that could be saved and I’m also not 100% sure of what additives or hidden calories are in my food. Okay and I’ll admit: I’m a firm believer that cooking at home is a creative energy that should be explored by all. 

In an effort to stay on track with this past week’s cooking at home theme, I referenced my bank account spending. I was surprised to find that I was spending about $50 per week eating out, grabbing coffee, and quick snacks; that’s about $200 per month that could be saved. (Helloooo end of the month shopping spree!) I decided to make it my mission to prepare my own meals to save time and money; plus I know that my body generally feels better when I’m eating whole foods that I’ve prepared myself. Last Sunday I made a list of my favorite healthy staples that would enable me to make effortless quick meals during the week.

Here’s a peek of what was on my list:
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole-wheat tortillas or pitas
  • Quinoa
  • Non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Chicken breast
  • Lean ground turkey
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Black beans
  • Low-fat feta cheese
  • Cilantro
  • Avocados
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Tomatoes
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Roasted almonds
  • Almond or coconut milk
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • Pineapple (fresh or frozen)
  • Condiments (BBQ sauce, salsa, hot sauce, honey mustard, balsamic vinegar)
  • Nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
Click here for more healthy grocery shopping tips from Food Network. 

More from Food Network:
What staples do you have in your home for healthy cooking?

*Photo Provided
 

See more: food network