In the journey to optimum health and living a healthy, balanced life, it’s not always practical or affordable to run out and buy the next big diet food. That’s why it is helpful to have some tricks up your sleeve.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there a few basic concepts that will stay true no matter what diet is popular.  One of those concepts is choosing healthy foods from the grain, fruit, vegetable, milk, and lean meat food groups. An easy way to get all those groups into your diet is by basing your meals around some healthy staples. For ultimate nutrition, get into the habit of stocking these five nutrition winners in your pantry:

Yogurt – Yogurt is a great choice for any diet, whether balanced nutrition or weight loss is the ultimate goal. It is loaded with vitamin B and potassium. Yogurt also supports healthy digestive bacteria. Women especially can benefit from adding yogurt to their diets, as they are at greater risk for osteoporosis. Just take care that you aren’t inadvertently adding sugar to your diet by choosing the sweetened variety.

Salmon – Salmon is an ultimate example of high performance nutrition. Protein is essential for muscle and brain health, but some other sources are packed with saturated fat. The lean protein in wild salmon is a great tool for building a strong healthy body.

Leafy Greens – Eating healthy greens just makes you feel good. Whether you love spinach, cabbage, kale, or broccoli, these little green machines are loaded with iron, phytochemicals, and vitamin K. Especially if you have casein allergies or other milk-related sensitivity, leafy greens are a perfect way to incorporate more calcium into your diet. Plus Vitamin K has been linked to fending off osteoporosis, arthritis, and diabetes.

Apples – Apples are crunchy and sweet, which makes them the perfect snack for anyone with a sweet tooth.  We know they are packed with fiber and vitamins, but did you know that they are also rich in boron, a mineral that supports bone health? Apples can also reduce the risk of heart disease.

Oatmeal – This humble grain is actually a powerfully nutritious food. With lots of fiber, iron, and vitamin E, what better way to start your morning than oatmeal?

Once you get into the habit of buying healthy stables, incorporating more great foods into your routine will be a breeze. By taking the stress out of making healthy choices, your mind and body will be feeling great.

Source:

• “Nutrition Basics”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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