Food
What’s in My Grocery Cart
I have little to no self-control when it comes to food. I see it. I want it. I eat it.
I also have a serious sweet tooth (chocoholics unite!). And darn it, I work hard! I deserve a treat every once in a while.
Snacks and treats are fine – if you can eat them in moderation. I will eat the entire bag of chips or box of cookies in one sitting. If you are anything like me, you may be best keeping those sort of items out of sight, out of mind; the best way to avoid the temptation. That being said, I rarely turn down ice cream or dessert when I am out to eat with friends or family.
Simply put, the best way I have found to manage my not-so-healthy cravings is to keep the junk food out of the house. I don’t know about you, but when I am hungry, I want food, immediately. In order for me to keep my nutrition in check, I have to keep my fridge stocked with healthy options that are easy go-to’s for everything from curing my non-stop hunger to fulfilling a sweet craving (without all the calories).
As a professional Dressage trainer, I demand a lot out of my body. I spend many hours in the saddle every day and spend the rest of my work day doing manual labor on the farm. After my personal horses are cared for, I trek to the gym to lift and do cardio. With a schedule like this, it is imperative that I fuel my body for the job. I need to eat enough carbohydrates to have the energy to get through my day. I have to consume enough protein so my body can build muscle from all of my training endeavors. And I have to incorporate good fats for heart health and vitamin absorption.
Investing in your health is one of the wisest decisions you can. Whether you are a weekend trail rider, a weekly horseback riding lesson student, a seasoned competitor or professional equestrian. Your body will thank you both in and out of the saddle for giving it the nutrients it needs for peak performance. Think before you buy next time you are at the grocery store.
Here are the staple food items that you will find in my weekly grocery cart:
DAIRY

Both dairy and egg products are a great source of protein. Dairy products also contain healthy fats, calcium, potassium and vitamin D.
Milk
Almond Milk
Greek Yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Eggs
Egg Whites
Sliced Swiss or Provolone Cheese
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Feta Cheese Crumbles
MEAT
I always reach for lean sources of protein, which typically means white meat and fish.
Sliced Turkey breast
Chicken Breast
Tuna packets
Salmon or Tuna Steaks
GRAINS

Whole grains (tip: make sure the packaging actually says “100% whole grain” – or else it’s not whole grain!) are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber.
Rice, Couscous and/or Quinoa
Oatmeal
Flat wraps
Whole grain bread
Rice cakes
FRUITS & GREENS
Low in calories and high in vitamins, these vegetables are so nutrient rich that some are considered “superfoods”. Fruits are often high in natural sugars, making them a great snack for quick carbs
Spinach
Arugula
Kale
Broccoli
Edamame
Dried Cranberries
Raisins
Apples
Avocados
Bananas
Mandarin Oranges
Frozen Mixed Berries
FATS

Not all fat is created equal. Healthy fats can be found in a variety of nut sources – just make sure to read the label to watch for warning signs such as unusually high caloric content or an abundance of sugar.
Cranberry nut mix
Almond Slices
Sunflower Seeds
PB2 Powder
Peanut Butter
Almond Butter
FLAVORINGS
Mrs Dash seasonings
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Honey
Agave
Cinnamon
Protein Powder
Dressings
Check back with Stable & Spice on an upcoming post on how I combine items to make tasty snacks and meals throughout my week!
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