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Grocery shopping can be an extremely daunting taste. Food greatly impacts health, and being able to easily navigate the labyrinth of the grocery store is essential.

Having a grocery guideline list is the first place to start. Before even getting to the store you need to make a game plan. Part of that plan should involve ensuring that your trip is done on a full stomach. Shopping for food while hungry encourages buying more, and not always of the good things. Going on a full stomach will help to prevent your stomach from doing the shopping, and give you the energy needed to make good decisions.

Breaking up your grocery trips into different types will also help with keeping the focus on the right foods. Food can be split into two different storage options, refrigerated versus shelf stable. For the most part, we want our fridges to be full, and shelves to be controlled. Approaching your shopping trip in the same way can be helpful. Splitting it into two trips, helps to have a focus on that trip and discourage mindless food shopping.

Stocking your pantry and keeping a system to make sure those shelf stable staples are there helps keep peace of mind. Even when your fridge is empty, there is still foods to eat. However, making sure this part of your food options are healthy and easily accessible is essential.

Most pantries consist of refined grains, snacks, sugary beverages, and extra condiments. The goal is to get your pantry to consist of a few easy to make meals, and lots of whole foods.

Having good carbs to choose from is the first place to start. Focusing on items that are clean is essential. Rice, quinoa, oatmeal and sweet potatoes are our favorites to keep on hand. Having a few boxes of pasta on hand can also make some quick and easy meals. Tolerant lentil pasta is a delicious gluten-free alternative that is packed with protein. Jovial is easy to find and has great texture. There are some quinoa options as well. Keep an open mind and try different varieties!

Dried whole foods can be great to have on hand to snack. As long as you keep in mind that these items are meant to be eaten in small quantities. Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit are ideal items. Try to reach for these items instead of snacking on chips or sweets. Stay away from trail mixes. Many of them have unnecessary preservatives, sweeteners, and hidden empty calories.

Legumes are also a good thing to have on hand. Legumes include beans, lentils, and peas. Dried is the best option, but having a few that are canned with limited ingredients help make meals easier.

Processed items always seem to sneak back into our cabinets. Usually this is due to them being quick and easy items to make. Having a few cans of limited ingredient soups, and beans allow for that ease in cooking without sacrificing nutrition. Nuts can be processed into butters, and these are a good go-to snack on some celery.

Spices! These are our favorite part of our cabinets. Having a nice variety can transform even the most monotonous dishes into vibrant new meals! Picking up a new spice is exciting and opens up so many new doors.

Lastly, oils and vinegars are essential. Oils keeps food from sticking to pans, and when mixed with vinegar they are a quick and easy salad dressing. Keep the basics like olive oil, and apple cider vinegar on hand then branch out from there!

Having your cabinets stocked allows you to pull together a pantry meal when your fridge seems bare. This also keeps peace of mind to know that your pantry is stocked with healthy whole foods instead of empty calorie snacks. Good luck and happy shopping!