Carnation Breakfast Essentials®: Smart Grocery Shopping: Making Healthy Choices for the Whole Family

When it comes to shopping for groceries, making nutritious choices for your family is essential. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the grocery store aisles, especially when it comes to choosing foods your family will actually eat. 

Sticking to the basics such as reading food labels, choosing fresh produce, selecting wholesome pantry staples, and opting for nutritional drinks such as Carnation Breakfast Essentials can make things a bit less complicated.
 

5 Tips to While Grocery Shopping

1. Reading Food Labels: Understanding food labels is crucial for making healthy choices. Paying attention to the serving size listed on the label can help you determine the appropriate portion sizes for your family. It can also help you focus on foods with key nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and identify products high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium that you may want to skip. Lastly, reviewing the foods labels can help you scan the ingredient list to identify certain ingredients you may want to leave out, such as additives, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. 

2. Choosing Fresh Produce: Fresh produce is a vital component of a nutritious diet and can often be found around the parameter of the grocery stores. With so many options for fresh produce, here are some additional tips:  

   • Opt for variety by choose a colorful assortment of fruits and vegetables to ensure a wide range of nutrients.
   • Whenever possible, select seasonal and locally sourced produce. They are often fresher and more flavorful.
   • If you prefer organic produce, look for the USDA Organic label. This indicates that the product has been grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

3. Selecting Wholesome Pantry Staples: Stocking your pantry with nutritious staples is key to maintaining a healthy diet. 

   • Whole grains: Choose whole grain options such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole grain pasta. They are rich in fiber and provide sustained energy.
   • Legumes and beans: Incorporate legumes and beans like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans into your meals. They are excellent sources of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
   • Healthy fats: Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, olive oil, and seeds in your pantry. They provide essential nutrients and can be used in a variety of recipes.

4. Find Nutritional Easy to Grab & Go Options: Let’s face it, life happens and sometimes we find ourselves in a pinch for time to get out the door to start our day. Carnation Breakfast Essentials® is a convenient and nutrient-packed option to start your day. It is packed with essential nutrients, including protein to support growth and help build and maintain muscle, Calcium and Vitamin D to help build strong bones, and 21 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and D for immune support. Luckily Carnation Breakfast Essentials comes in a range of flavors, ensuring there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

5. Include Everyone on the Grocery Planning: Allowing family members to add specific food items to the grocery list can be a great way to get them involved. Whether it’s allowing them to choose their favorite veggie, fruit, and Carnation Breakfast Essentials® flavor can cultivate a sense of food autonomy, which can help establish healthy eating habits.
    

Navigating the grocery store and making nutritious choices for your family doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding food labels, selecting fresh produce, choosing wholesome pantry staples, and incorporating products like Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, you can make informed decisions that incorporate a variety of nutrients in the diet. Remember, small changes in your shopping habits can have a significant impact on the well-being of your family. Happy and healthy grocery shopping!