Smart Grocery Shopping

Hello there!
   Today I am going to provide some small, helpful tips that you can use while at the grocery store and want to make healthier decisions.  Grocery shopping can be a very difficult task for certain people, especially if they have never been taught on how to smart shop properly.  For example, one day my roommate came home with three different types of chips, cookie dough, a bag of cookies, and milk. (This is a true story) She then realized, once she got home, that her poor decisions left her with no healthy options for the week or even a meal.  Grocery shopping can be stressful and overwhelming if you do not have a written list that states exactly what you need to purchase and to make sure that each item can be used in several different meal options.  That is what I consider "smart shopping". Since, my fellow roommates and I are on the "college budget" some items are out of our reach , but that doesn't mean we can't eat healthy, well balanced meals.  So let's begin! Sandwiches are considered a staple in a college students diet because its quick, easy, and requires little to none eating utensils involved.  Sandwiches can either be packed with nutritious ingredients or high in fat and sodium ingredients. So how to make the perfect "Scooby-Doo" sandwich that is filling, delicious, and high in nutritional value?  First, we choose a multigrain bread.  Then a lunch meat that is low in sodium, my personal favorite is Oscar Mayer Naturals Oven Roasted Chicken Breast packaged lunch meat.  The chicken breast is high in protein, low in sodium, fat, and carbs, versus the turkey breast product.  Next, pick a low in fat, white cheese.  It was proven that cheeses lighter in the color are better for you.  I personally pick Sargento's low-fat provolone cheese.  After that, we move onto garnishing our delicious sandwich.  I typically top my sandwiches with spinach, avocado, tomato, onion, and mustard.  Spinach provides more nutritional value than lettuce, avocado provides a healthy source of fat, onion is just great with everything, and mustard is one of the healthier condiment options.  Boom your ideal "Scooby-Doo" sandwich is complete, piled high, and deliciously healthy.
Here are other tips to keep in mind while grocery shopping:
-Water over soda
-Purchase low-fat dairy products
-Greek yogurt over regular
-Almond milk is the healthiest option and tastes the same.
-Tortilla Chips with salsa or pretzels (for the chip/snack lovers)
-Buy fruits and veggies (you will be forced to finish them before they spoil)
-Dark Chocolate (for the sweet tooth)
Hopefully these tips help make your grocery shopping experience easier and beneficial. Please comment below with additional tips!

*Gluten-Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-