We all like life to be simple, right?!? When it comes to health, nutrition, diet and exercise – a lot of people get easily confused by contradictory reports, and broad explanations.  I keep encountering people who just want straight answers and options.

Well…I’ve got something good for you today courtesy of Ochsner and Rouses.  Now, mind you, this list does not obligate you to shop at Rouses…

What is this list?!?  Ochsner nutritionist Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD has handpicked a list of groceries guaranteed to boost the quality of your diet. By filling your shopping cart with these items, you’ll be reducing or eliminating your intake of saturated and trans fats and processed carbohydrates, and increasing whole grain, protein-rich and vitamin/mineral-rich foods in your diet.

The list is separated by produce, meat, dry food, condiments & sauces, poultry & eggs, dairy, seafood and so on.  This is an extremely thorough and helpful list.

You can find the the full list at Choose Healthy Grocery List - here is a look at what’s on the list.

Hot and Cold Cereals
Cold
Kellogg’s Special K Protein Plus
Post Brand Flakes
Post Shredded Wheat: original
Post Shredded Wheat: spoon size
Quaker Crunchy Corn bran…

Bread
Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat Bagel
Pepperidge Farm Natural Whole Grain 15 Bread
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain English Muffin (100% whole wheat)
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal Bread
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain 100% Whole Wheat Bagel
Thomas Hearty Whole Wheat Mini-Bagel…

Frozen Vegetables
Edamame
Ore-Ida Roasted Potatoes: Original
Best Yet: green peppers, cut-leaf spinach, lima beans, cut okra, broccoli, cut carrots, collard greens, black eye peas, butter beans
Pict Sweet: carrots, butter beans, purple-hulled peas, sliced yellow squash, mixed greens, chopped turnip

Canned Goods
StarKist Chunk Lite Tuna in Water
Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon
StarKist Yellowfin Tuna Fillets (Pouches)
Hormel Breast of Chicken in Water
BlueRunner Creole Cream-style Red Beans
BlueRunner Creole Cream-style Navy Beans

Rice, Dried Beans, Pasta
Basmati Rice: All brands
Brown Rice: All brands
Dried Beans (pinto, kidney, navy, lima, black-eyed, etc.)
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Whole Grain Pasta
HeartLand 100% Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Barilla Plus Spaghetti & Penne Pasta

Print out the list and make your grocery shopping off of that list – choose recipes that use the ingredients on that list and eat in moderation.  Continue to read the blogs posts from our wonderful registered dietitians Lauren and Steve, for more tips, information and nutritional advice.  We do like to keep things simple around here!