How to Shop for Healthy Foods

There is a vast array of delicacies in your local health food store. But, are all the products really healthy? What are the best choices for optimal nutrition and what are the ingredients to watch out! Americans have it all! Foods from all countries any time of year, any time you want! Unfortunately not all food is healthy and some may even be sprayed with unhealthy and carcinogenic toxins prior to being brought into our country. Let's get cracking on some simple steps to shop for the healthiest foods!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Health food store preferrably
• Time

1. Fruits & Vegetables -
   Why buy organic and why buy local?
   Organic fruits and vegetables have been shown to have a higher nutrient content - basically, you get what you pay for...
   Local produce is best due to the heavy pesticide spraying of imported produce (yes, even if it was originally "organic").
2. Meats
   Free range and/or organic is best!
   Studies have shown that free range meats have a higher Omega 3 fat content making them much healthier than their conventionally raised counterparts. More Omega 3 helps facilitate weight loss!
   Organic meats are healthier due to their lack of hormones and antibiotics - not to mention they are not eating pesticide laden grains.
3. Oils -
   Olive, Palm or Coconut
   Olive oil is best purchased organic and first cold pressed.
   Palm and coconut oils is best purchased organic and cold pressed.
4. Grains -
   Organic, sprouted, fermented or sour leavened are best!
   Traditionally made sourdough bread is a great example of this.
   Check ingredients label - if it says yeast, it's probably not naturally sour leavened or fermented.
   NOTE: "fresh yeast" is okay.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease. Please ask you health care provider for any information.