Not sure what to grab for groceries this week? I've made it easy for you and broken it down into the top items to buy for your grocery haul. Plus, 20 easy recipes to try!

What does a healthy grocery haul look like?

When it comes to planning out groceries to buy, you want to be sure to include a variety of ingredients. A healthy grocery haul includes fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, snacks, and sweets.

Having this balance is beneficial for our health in a number of different ways. It allows us to feel satisfied after a meal which can help prevent overeating. This variety also ensures we are getting all the nutrients we need to stay healthy.

My favorite way to create a healthy grocery haul is to order online with Hungryroot!

What is Hungryroot?

Hungryroot is an online grocery delivery service delivered right to your front door. It provides you with all the options you could ever want for a healthy haul! Fresh produce, plant based meats, ready to go salads-you name it.⁣ They're ingredients are perfect to add to home cooked meals too.

Click here to check out their website and get $50 off your first delivery!

Here's what types of ingredients I like to include on my Hungryroot order and grocery list.

Healthy groceries to buy:

1. Fruit and Vegetables

You don't hear much hate on fruits and vegetables for a reason. That's because they're low in calories, packed with filling fiber, and rich in important vitamins and minerals. The goal is to eat the rainbow because all those different colors represent different phytonutrients that help keep us healthy. Here are just a few examples. 

• Red - Red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and red peppers have a nutrient called lycopene, which is a type of antioxidant responsible for protecting the cells in our body from damage.
• Orange - Orange fruits and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are packed with a type of pigment called Beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for vision as well as keeping our immune system strong.
• Blue and Purple - Blue and purple fruits and vegetables like blueberries and eggplant are rich in a type of plant pigment called anthocyanin which helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Recipes to try: 

• Vegetable Egg Frittata
• One Pot Vegetable Curry
• Rainbow Quinoa Salad
• Pepper Fajitas

2. Proteins

Protein is an essential part of our diet. It allows us to feel fuller longer and promotes muscle recovery. Focus on getting a mixture of both lean animal protein and plant proteins. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can omit any meat or animal products. 

• Examples of lean animal protein include chicken, shrimp, salmon, trout, steak, turkey, yogurt, cheese, and eggs.
• Examples of plant protein include beans, nuts, nut butters, seeds, nutritional yeast, seitan, tofu, tempeh, and edamame.

Recipes to try:

• Nut Crusted Salmon
• Chicken Chickpea Caesar Salad
• Tofu Power Bowls
• Coconut Curry Tofu Wrap

3. Whole grains

Carbs get a bad rap but they're super important for us. It's just all about choosing the right kind of carbohydrates and creating a balance. Choose mostly whole grain products as they pack in more fiber and B vitamins. 

Examples of whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, granola, corn tortillas, whole wheat breads, whole wheat pasta, and oat crackers.

Recipes to try:

• Avocado Toast - 4 Ways
• Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
• Extra Guac Chicken Tacos
• Coconut Curry Tofu Rice Bowl

4. Sauces, dips, and dressings

Sauces, dips, and dressings are ingredients that add a lot of great flavor to our meals. Aim to choose ones that contain healthy fats. Examples include thai peanut butter sauce, guacamole, pesto, olive oil salad dressings, chickpea blended hummus, or tahini sauce.

Recipes to try:

• Hummus and Veggie Snack Board
• Pesto Gnocchi
• Use Hungryroot's Thai Peanut Sauce or make your own at home!
• Salmon Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

5. Snacks and sweets

It's all about balance so it's important to honor your sweet tooth. Feel free to indulge every once in a while, but try to also set yourself up for success by purchasing better-for-you options. Some examples include low sugar peanut butter bites, frozen yogurt popsicles, sweet potato cups, and chickpea cookie dough.

Snacks are a great way to honor your hunger between meals and prevent overeating at larger meal times. Pair protein and fiber together for a satiating combo. I love to snack on parmesan crisps + sliced zucchini, corn chips + hummus, or dried mango + mixed nuts. 

You can also make your own snacks and sweets at home-give these recipes a try

Recipes to try:

• Soy Glazed Walnuts
• Energy Bites
• Protein Mug Cake
• Avocado Truffles

Want to try Hungryroot for yourself?

Head over to Hungryroot.com to check out all the healthy grocery options they have!

And if you want more hands-on help creating recipes with your Hungryroot groceries, I've got you covered.

If you're feeling overwhelmed when it comes to nutrition with your busy schedule, my value-packed "Coaching + Cooking" program is for you.

First, you'll meet with myself, a registered dietitian, to discuss your nutrition goals. Then, we'll make it actionable by connecting across kitchens and you'll learn how to cook delicious recipes with your healthy groceries. This is a great way to build up your kitchen confidence!