Grocery shopping can feel overwhelming. What to buy? What actually tastes good? And, of course, which choices are going to support your health and your goals? With so much nutrition information coming from every direction, it’s easy to turn a simple grocery trip into a long list of what we should and shouldn’t be eating.
My goal isn’t to leave the store with a cart full of “perfect” foods. It’s to leave with foods that make it easier to eat well throughout the week: protein I enjoy, produce that’s convenient, foods that make meals taste good, a few shortcuts that save time, and yes, a little chocolate. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, and it certainly shouldn’t feel like another full-time job. I’m looking for foods that support my goals while still fitting into my actual life. I don’t believe you need to eat perfectly to eat well. Create a foundation of foods and habits that you can repeat, while leaving room for flexibility and enjoyment.
Here are a few of my current Dierbergs favorites that regularly make their way into my cart.
Pre-Cut Butternut Squash
One of my all-time favorite food-prep hacks? Let someone else do the prep.
Pre-cut butternut squash is one of those simple conveniences that can make healthy eating so much easier. Bring it home, toss it with a little olive oil and your favorite seasoning, and roast it until it’s caramelized and tender.
You get all the goodness of a homemade side without spending 20 minutes wrestling with a whole butternut squash. It’s an easy, delicious shortcut that makes it feel manageable to get more vegetables on the table.
Bob's Smoked Turkey
You know I’m always talking about protein. For many of us, getting enough protein consistently is a priority, and having convenient options makes it much easier.
If you haven’t tried Bob’s BBQ smoked turkey, you’re missing out.
Let it shine as the main course, or add it to a salad, make a quick sandwich or wrap, build a protein-packed bowl, or simply grab a few slices for an afternoon snack. It’s flavorful, versatile, and an easy way to make protein a little less complicated.
Pickles & Fermented Foods
Looking for an easy way to add nutrition, gut-friendly foods, and lots of flavor? Check out the pickles section.
Pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods can be an easy way to add variety and flavor to your meals.
Add pickles to a sandwich, kimchi to a rice bowl, or sauerkraut alongside your favorite protein.
Healthy eating should taste good, and these little additions add plenty of flavor without much effort. Keep a few favorites in your fridge and let them make simple meals feel a little more exciting.
Lily’s Dark Chocolate
We have to talk about the sweet tooth.
Because mine definitely shows up.
I don’t believe you need to eliminate sweets to eat well. In fact, I think learning how to enjoy them in a way that fits into your overall routine is a much more sustainable approach.
A good-quality dark chocolate can be incredibly satisfying. When the flavor is rich and the chocolate is enjoyable, sometimes a square or two is all you need.
No guilt. No “cheat food.” Just chocolate you actually enjoy and can savor.
Follow Katie for more nutritional tips at strongbyintention.com