I am writing this blog because so many clients ask about the best health food stores and want information on where to go. You’ll really be surprised at my answer. Any grocery with an organic fruits, vegetables and meat selection are the best places for health foods. I love the organic section, but it’s not necessary to buy only organic fruit and vegetables. Food on the Clean 15 list are relatively free from pesticides, so choosing non organic avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, frozen sweet peas, onions, papaya, eggplant, cauliflower, mushrooms, asparagus, cantaloupe, broccoli, kiwi, honey dew melon and cabbage will save you money.
Organic meat, eggs from free-range chickens and butter or milk from grassfed cows are also a high priority.
You might have expected a different answer, but any store that sells these products gets an honorable mention from me. What the animals eat makes a difference. Butter from grassfed cows actually has more nutrients, including conjugated linoleic acid, which is good for heart health. Eggs from free-range chickens have more vitamin D and less cholesterol. Organic meat doesn’t contain hormones and let’s not forget choosing sea food and fish from wild sources.
Go to local Farmer’s Markets for in season fruits and vegetables.
If you want to get food at it’s peak, choose local options. Another source of health food is the Farmer’s Market. Local farmers, particularly those that do organic farming, provide healthy options for all meals. You get to talk to each vendor and get a feel on how they farm and whether they use pesticides. Remember, the healthiest options always contain the least amount of ingredients and no preservatives or pesticides. So starting with fresh fruits and vegetables from locally grown sources is a great idea.
Look for whole food markets and natural food markets for a good selection.
I don’t want to name specific markets, since I like all the local whole food stores and natural markets around and go to several of them, particularly when items are on sale. Some of the healthiest stores I go to actually have some lower prices than you might expect. I focus more on whole foods than nutritional supplements, unless you have a special need that requires supplementing nutrition, such as not digesting food as well.
- We’re lucky enough to have many groceries and whole food markets dedicated to healthy eating, but also several healthy options for a dinner or lunch out. If you’re going out to eat, look for natural food options.
- If you do meal planning, you’ll save money. It is often a savings that’s more than the extra you spend buying organic.
- Grow your own. Some people have a chicken or two for eggs. Others don’t want to be that involved, but raise a garden. Just one tomato plant in a tub can provide both satisfaction and tomatoes for meals.
- Shop where you can buy whole foods in bulk. You’ll save money and time getting some ingredients in bulk. If you’re near a pick-your-own farm, it’s a money saving way to get healthy ingredients and have some family fun picking.
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