The new year is here, and you go into overdrive to fulfill your new year fitness resolutions. Many individuals buy athleisure outfits and shoes to hit the gym, focusing on weight management and getting fit. However, the nutrition aspect often goes missing. This new year, ensure not just your attire but your plate is colorful as well.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance presents to you #LetTheMindGamesBegin. This is a 14-day health program on our Activ Living Community, where you will learn how to trick your brain into following through on your new year health resolutions. Avoid giving up on this year’s resolution using expert advice in fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.

What you need to know:

6 tips for shopping healthy foods that you can refrigerate

Now that you have knocked on the gym’s door, it is time you open your refrigerator door to see the food you consume. We tend to consume whatever we store in the refrigerator. Instead of relying on only bread, butter, and cheese, try other filling breakfasts which you can consume before rushing to the office. So, on Day 7 of this campaign, you can shop with nutrition expert Tanvi Gulati to get healthy and nutritious foods that can help you avoid consuming processed or unhealthy foods.

6 tips for shopping healthy foods that you can refrigerate

Give your fridge an exciting makeover with colorful fruits and vegetables. If you store tasty and healthy foods, your mind will naturally be lured to try interesting varieties of nutritious foods, motivating you to include them in your meals. Stock foods that are rich in beta-carotene, which gives the red, yellow, and orange pigment to fruits and vegetables. These rich varieties would make for a lip-smacking breakfast bowl.

It is wise to come prepared with a list of foods and the meals you plan to cook during the week, so you don’t get distracted by other processed foods. Avoid purchasing foods that could serve your food cravings. Here is a list of tips to shop for healthy foods that you can refrigerate:

As you head to the dairy section at a grocery store, ensure you get low-fat yogurt, curd, cottage cheese, milk, and eggs, all of which are protein-rich foods. Non-dairy milk derived from almonds, oats, soy, and other sources contains low sugar, fat, and carbs, unlike cow’s milk. These nutritious foods aid muscle building and keep you satiated for a longer time, suppressing your cravings. Choose the healthier fresh unsalted butter over the one rich in sodium to control your blood pressure levels. You can also choose smaller portions instead of bigger slabs to control your fat intake.
When you visit the vegetable section, think about the wide range of recipes you can explore from an exotic display of veggies. Opt for seasonal vegetables, which contain more nutrients and are pocket-friendly, than items out of season. You can stock up on beets, bell peppers, carrots, celery, or vegetables with longer shelf lives, which can also be used in broths, stews, and many other recipes. Consuming vegetables lower the risk of heart disease, control blood sugar, and help in weight management. Broccoli and basil, among other veggies, also have a high nutritional value. Try buying a new vegetable or fruit every week for variety. While looking for canned veggies, look for items that are labeled no-salt-added or lower sodium. Buy frozen veggies without sauces, seasonings or salt.
Meat is a complete protein. Buy lean cuts of loin, tenderloin, and sirloin. Opt for healthier sources, such as whole-cut meat and chicken. Fatty fish like salmon or tofu have unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, making them healthy food options. Avoid red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb, that contain saturated ‘bad’ fats or processed foods, like sausages and salami.
While purchasing groceries, read nutrition labels, even for foods you think may be healthy. Compare food items and choose the one with the lowest amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
Most people are of the perception that healthy food is expensive. You don’t necessarily need exotic vegetables like zucchini, avocados or kale. You can have a simple peanut, cucumber, and grated coconut salad.
For those who buy foods online, steer clear of offers on chips, beverages, or other processed and fried foods. Focus on healthy fruits.

Following these shopping tips can do wonders for your health. So, what are you waiting for? Give your fridge that much-needed makeover that will push you towards making healthy and better nutrition choices this new year.

Stay healthy with the Activ Living Community – your everyday health expert. Stay tuned for more lifestyle and mindfulness-related information. For more mind hacks, check out the #LetTheMindGamesBegin section here.