While I enjoying going to the mall to shop for new clothes just like the next mom, perusing the aisles of the grocery store and specialty food market to check out new products is my guilty pleasure.
If my kids are with me however, I’m hyper-focused on getting in and out of the store as soon as possible.
It seems that they inevitably ask for something that isn’t on the list, but if they spot a vegetable they’ve never tried, I’m happy to buy it. Allowing them to make choices and explore new foods is a great way to teach kids about healthy eating.
Since life is so hectic, I also have to make sure I keep meals simple. I usually spend some time on the weekends to roast vegetables, make a large vat of lentils for school lunches and bake gluten-free bread.
Sticking with many of the same foods and meals each week takes the guesswork out of meal planning and makes my life less stressful.
While we often purchase a new type of fish, try new spices or test out new recipes, there are 5 healthy foods I buy every week that make healthy eating a breeze.
1. Salad
When salad starts to run low in the refrigerator, I start to feel a bit uneasy. I know,
it sounds completely ridiculous, but our family eats a lot of salad and I rely on it to make meals fast.
Salad is of course healthy, but it’s also one of the quickest meals you can make for lunch and dinner.
With my wood chopping bowl and mezzaluna set, it’s super-easy to chop and mix everything right in the bowl without having to pull out a chopping board. I add lettuce, raw vegetables and avocado, pair it with a protein and I have a meal ready in no time.
2. Avocado
High in fiber and healthy fats, and packed with nutrition, avocado is a superfood for kids and a must-have in my kitchen.
I add avocado to salads, serve it with eggs, or make guacamole in my Vitamix.
You can also make avocado toast, add it to smoothies, use it to make homemade salad dressing, or swap it for mayonnaise or butter in baking recipes.
3. Beans
We eat a lot of plant-based foods so beans are something I buy every week.
Beans are high in both protein and fiber and an excellent source of folate, zinc, iron and magnesium. They’re also rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that fights inflammation.
I usually serve beans with green leafy vegetables, add them to salads, or make bean burgers or beans and rice.
4. Eggs
Eggs are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your kids which is why my family eats them every day.
They’re an excellent source of protein and high in lutein, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
Eggs lend themselves to so many easy and delicious recipes too.
In addition to scrambled eggs and omelets, I’ll make a vegetable frittata or quiche, egg “fried” rice or egg salad. A large batch of hard-boiled eggs stocked in the refrigerator are also great to have on hand for grab-and-go snacks.
5. Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium and vitamin B6, and also a good source of fiber: 1 small banana has 2.6 grams.
When my older daughter walks into the kitchen in the morning, she immediately reaches for a banana to eat with her breakfast.
I also use bananas for my morning smoothies, add them to overnight oats or incorporate them into baked goods so I usually buy two bunches every week. If some start to over-ripen, I pop them in the freezer to use later or to whip up a dairy-free treat.
What are some healthy foods you buy every week? Let me know in the comments!
