I often get asked the question “What foods I always HAVE to HAVE”.  If I was allowed only 10 items to purchase at the grocery store, regardless of the price, these are my picks.

1.     Quaker Old Fashioned Oats:  100% natural whole grain oats are great by themselves or added to many other recipes.  My favorite way to eat Quaker Oats is to take ½ cup dry oats and cook per instructions in 1-cup skim milk or light soymilk.  Once cooked, I like to swirl a tablespoon of all natural peanut butter in the bowl… YUM!

2.     Greek Yogurt:  This yogurt is packed with protein!  Something you don’t see in other yogurts.  Averaging at about 17 grams per 7 oz, this can be eaten at any meal, any time of day!  My favorite brand is FAGE 2% yogurt.  I’ve been asked why I prefer 2% to 0% fat.  This is a personal preference.  I enjoy the creamier taste of 2%, and for just 30 calories more; I think it’s worth it.  Either is perfectly acceptable.  My favorite way to eat this yogurt is to mix it with ¼ Nature’s Path Granola and ½ cup berries.

3.     Bananas:  Bananas are known for it’s impressive potassium content.  With about 4 grams of fiber per large banana, this fruit is a great addition/compliment to any meal.  My favorite way to eat bananas is either in Greek yogurt, or sliced on top a piece of toast with natural peanut butter.

4.     Nature’s Path Granola:  The reason I love this granola is for the great taste and calorie content.  A lot of granola tends to be calorically dense.  Nature’s Path Granola comes in at about 240 calories per ¾ cup.  My favorite way to eat granola is mixed with yogurt, or by itself.

5.     Lite Silk Soy Milk or Skim Milk:  This provides a great combo of protein and carbohydrates… can be added to recipes, cereal, or enjoyed by itself.

6.     Whole Wheat Tortillas:  I eat these almost every day!  My guideline is that is has at least 3 grams of fiber and no more than 150 calories.  I use these for sandwich wraps and tacos.

7.     Spinach Leaves:  Spinach is loaded with calcium, folic acid, vitamin K & Iron.  Spinach is also rich in vitamin c, iron, and fiber to say the least.  In an effort to consume more veggies, I add loads of raw spinach leaves to any sandwich or wrap I make.    I also like to add spinach to soups and omelets.

8.      Morning Star Veggie Sausages & Burgers:  The taste of these products can’t be beat!  As a great source of protein, I always add these to sandwiches and wraps.  It really adds great flavor to a meal!

9.     Eggs:  My grocery cart is never without a carton of eggs.  Eggs are a great source of protein and can complete any meal.  My favorite way to eat eggs is in a whole-wheat tortilla.  I take 2 egg whites scrambled with 1 whole egg, one morning star sausage broken up in the egg.  Place inside warmed whole-wheat tortilla and sprinkle with low-fat cheese.  This meal has been eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

10. Natural Peanut Butter:  I’ve tried all different types of nut butters from almond to cashew, and many more… but for some reason; nothing tastes better than good ole PB!  I have many ways I enjoy eating peanut butter… with oatmeal, with a banana, spread on toast, with apples, mixed in with yogurt (yes you read that correctly), old fashioned PB & J sandwich, and of course, by itself with a spoon!