A New Way to Grocery Shop

 Tomorrow the Clean Eating Kick Start begins. I'm off to the markets...I recommend you find a few of your favorites in this list to make the transition to Paleo seamless:

• Deli meat - Boar's Head has 5 varieties (I recommend the beef salami - especially if you pack lunch and have a teenage boy!)

• Sugar-free, nitrate-free bacon - Sprout's or a butcher shop/counter are your best bet, but it will make you very happy at breakfast, lunch and dinner!

• Hot dogs and chicken sausages - Check out Applegate - they have the cleanest options, but some have cane or raw sugar, so read your labels and choose wisely (they are kind of spendy, but my family loves the flavor and I love the convenience and the Chicken Sausages are casingless) 

Personal shopping "haul" for one of my favorite clients!

• Flavored coffee and tea - if you drank soda, sweet tea or sugar-laden lattes - you will NEED this! (thank you Sharon for introducing me to Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea)

• Sparkling water - be careful - many have sugars! Target & Central Market sell La Croix (we love Peach Pear and Passionfruit)

• Raw nuts, seeds and unsweetened dried fruits (Trader Joe's has the best selection - but in a pinch, most places sell raw almonds and sunflower seeds and unsweetened raisins to whip up a simple trail mix for snacks and to top salads)

• Avocado & Coconut oils - substitute beautifully for vegetable & peanut oils and don't disrupt & clog your system

• Organic eggs - it will feel like a splurge, but it's worth it - if you're like me - you will eat a LOT of eggs this month!

• A non-peanut, unsweetened nut butter - we have tried them all and salted almond butter wins at my house!

• Unsweetened chicken stock or bone broth - this one is tough, but I use it in so many things. Surprisingly, most stocks and broths have added sugar, soy or gluten. It might be easier to just make your own (that's what I do)

• Sugar-free marinara - most stores carry one - but you HAVE to read your labels to ensure there is no added sugars (pour it over "zoodles" (if you have a veggie peeler or spiralizer) or ground beef or turkey or spice it up with sautéed veggies and chicken)

• Nut milk - During a super clean eating phase - I make my own nut milk (you can find the recipe on Pinterest - just search Paleo Almond or Cashew milk), but Trader Joe's sells the cleanest version that will substitute just fine (it's not refrigerated - it's boxed and on a shelf)

• Coconut milk and coconut cream - for smoothies, dressings, fruit and nut bowls, sauces and eggs

• Hot sauce - Cholula and Frank's regular are sugar-free and add clean spice and flavor to most dishes

• Salad dressing - the only compliant dressing I have found is Tessamae's (5 or 6 of their flavors are Paleo - others have soy). They are harder to find, but Kroger carries the Lemon Garlic and HEB has my favorite - Cracked Pepper (totally worth the drive!)  Don't forget - a simple vinaigrette is easy to make and you control the ingredients

• Sugar free pickles - I like to make my own pickled vegetables, but there a few preservative- and sugar-free versions out there - once again - read your labels.

• Spices - if you haven't purchased spices in a LONG time and are hoping to get optimum flavor from those old jars - don't count on it.  Splurge and buy your favorites either in bulk (Sprout's, Winco Foods, Central Market, Whole Foods) or jarred organic.  The more flavorful your dishes, the less you will miss those things you are giving up.

If your budget can handle it and time is a factor, here are a few other convenience foods to look for - bagged salad mix, pre-chopped veggies (pico is great on everything!), frozen stir-fry veggies, those crudite party packs in the produce section with all the fresh chopped veggies - do NOT buy the one with the huge ranch dip in the center!and precut fruit (remember, fruit in moderation)

"Health starts in the kitchen" is a common Paleo phrase, but really - it starts at the market and in your planning.  Remember - you always need to have food prepped not just for today, but for the NEXT day as well if you want to sail through this experience.

Good luck and here's to the benefits of good, clean eating!  Happy New Year!