Healthy Grocery List Ideas for Spring

As many of you know, Emma, Jeff and I are all focusing on our health journeys this year. A key part of that comes down to diet so you can be sure that we are constantly looking for ways to boost our nutrient intake and to try and steer clear of junk food. We have found that we are most successful when our fridge is stocked with healthy easy options for grab and last minute dinners. Last year we ordered out way too often because we didn’t take the time to fill our fridge properly. This Spring and Summer I’m making sure that we don’t fall into that same trap again. :) To help us, I’ve rounded up some of my grocery list must-haves that should encourage us to stay on track. If you’re looking to make some of the same changes as us then you may find this list helpful!

Produce Section

One of our favorite ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into our diet is shopping for the season. Fruits and veggies are not consistent throughout the year. A winter tomato is going to taste completely different than one available in August. I am much more likely to eat my greens if they are at their tastiest. Eating this way also helps add variety to our diets. Jeff loves to cook and having different ingredients to work with seasonally has him happily trying new recipes and experimenting with new flavor combinations. That’s what makes him happiest. Fruits and veggies are also at their most nutritious during their peak so its a win-win for all!

Here are some of my favorite grocery list must-haves when it comes to Spring produce shopping:

• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bok Choy
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower/ Broccoli
• Citrus
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Peas
• Spinach
• Apricots
• Cherries
• Mangos
• Peaches
• Strawberries

Spring recipe inspiration: Citrus Salad, Jeff’s Lazy Pizza, Maple Lime Brussels Sprouts and Jeff’s Greek Salad

The easiest way to shop seasonal produce is by stopping by your local Farmers Market. I love to help support local farms and because this produce doesn’t need to travel long distances it’s picked right at it’s ripe peakness for ultimate flavor.

Freezer Section

Smoothies are an easy Breakfast/Lunch/On -the-Go option that I turn to all the time. If you love making your own smoothies don’t forget to grab frozen fruit from the freezer section at the store, I like to add fresh spinach and almond or oat milk to mine as well.

If you’re not so sure what combinations to try you can also order from Daily Harvest. I love their smoothies! Their pre-portioned paper cups come filled with fruits and veggies that you add to the the blender with your favorite liquid. It’s super easy! You don’t even have to go to the store. (p.s. this is not sponsored)

Pantry Section

Flavored Olive Oil

If you watch my instagram stories you know Jeff loves adding flavored Olive Oils to dishes. Olive Oil is lower in saturated fats than butter plus it offers vitamins and antioxidants. Jeff uses Red Pepper Flakes, Dried Basil or fresh Garlic to infuse our oil. You can also try lemon, rosemary, or fresh herbs. If you find a flavor that you love please share with us!

(Remember not to heat Olive Oil too high when cooking – it’s smoke point is low and it’s most nutritious in it’s raw state.)

Favorite Dressings

Ken’s Lite Caesar and Balsamic Dressings are both great on salads and make excellent marinades for everything from veggies to seafood and meats. Jeff also loves to brush this on veggie skewers before grilling too! I suggest picking these up next time you’re shopping if you haven’t tried them.

Beverages

Emma and I have kicked our Diet Coke habit thanks to sparkling water! Whenever I’m at the store I pick up a case of La Croix, Pellegrino or Spindrift. Aside from keeping away from soda, carbonated water helps me stay hydrated throughout the day which we all know is super important for our health. If you’re trying to kick your sugar habit, be sure to check the nutrition labels, sugar ladened tonic water and club sodas are often made by the same brands and stored on the same shelf.

Sun Tea is a great mid afternoon pick-me-up to replace soda if you need caffeine. I like black tea with a squeeze of lemon – its calorie free, full of antioxidants and is said to improve your metabolism.

I hope this helps you with your grocery shopping this week! What have you been adding to your grocery list recently? If you have any suggestions for us please share in the comment section below!

You can find more of my family’s favorite recipes here and more about how I organize my refrigerator here.

xo,

Kristy

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