Research by Centrum multivitamin supplements says the majority of us struggle to really understand what are nutritionally the best supermarket buys. Don't wander aimlessly around the aisle, follow this plan to guarantee a trolley full of goodness.
1. Don’t forget old favourites
We love superfoods, such as blueberries and spinach but don’t forget the less fashionable fruit and vegetables. Add carrots and apples to your basket too. They’re awesome value for money, a source of several vitamins and minerals and make a great healthy snack too.
Whizz up an apple and cinnamon smoothie
2. Be colourful
This is key to a healthy diet, particularly when it comes to fruit and vegetables. Different coloured fruit and vegetables contain different vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that help to keep your whole body healthy.
Eat a week of superhero vegetables
3. Kick the habit
Most of us are very unadventurous, especially when it comes to fish for example. There are over 21,000 species of fish and shellfish in the world and around 100 different varieties available to us in the UK. Add variety to your menu to stop you getting bored of your healthy regime and avoid searching for satisfaction from naughty snacks.
Try these mouthwatering mackerel dishes
4. Make-over your freezer
It’s not always easy or affordable to eat fresh. Fish freezes well so it’s worth keeping some in your freezer just in case you’ve no time to nip to the shops. If you keep your freezer stocked with mixed veg too, you’ve always got the makings of a healthy meal waiting for you at home. Now you’ll find no temptation to reach for the takeaway menu.
Try these five super salmon recipes
5. Pick and mix your tins
Tinned fish is a great kitchen cupboard staple, but don’t forget to spread your net wide. Instead of stacking up the tuna tins, include salmon, pilchards, mackerel and sardines, which are also rich in omega-3.
Which are the healthiest tinned fish?
6. Keep it lean
When choosing meat, opt for lean cuts and keep portions modest: between 100-140g is more than enough for one person. Bear in mind that mince can contain up to 28% fat so always go for the extra-lean option. Bulk out meat dishes like Bolognese sauce, adding extra nutrients at the same time, by throwing in vegetables and beans.
Why not try our recipe for white chilli with chicken?
7. Drink juice before breakfast
A glass of fruit juice in the morning is an easy way to tick off one of your 5-a-day servings. Plus the vitamin C from the juice helps your body absorb iron from breakfast cereal. Eating a fibre-rich cereal for breakfast is a good way to boost your health. Choose a cereal that provides at least 3g of fibre per serving.
Best ways to supercharge your breakfast
8. Make a list
And finally, before you set foot in the supermarket write a shopping list. It sounds like a no-brainer, but research shows taste and price are overwhelmingly our deciding factors when choosing food. Write a menu plan for the week ahead. This will help you balance your diet and think about nutrition rather than shopping on impulse.
New Centrum Men and Women multivitamins tailored to each gender, can help provide nutritional support.
