Healthy Convenience Food: Grocery Store Roundup
One of the reasons I became a nutritionist is because I LOVE cooking. But even though I love it, there are days when I just need convenience.
I recognize that many people don’t share my passion for cooking and that for some seasons in life, cooking is not the priority, so I went sleuthing at my local grocery store to find healthy convenient options that can help you build consistency for your healthy eating goals, but without cooking! I mean, we can all pick up a Rotisserie Chicken and Prepackaged Salad, but why not think outside the box (bag?)!?!
I had SO much fun! I challenge you to really look the next time you are at the grocery store. You might be surprised at the healthy but convenient options you will find. If you find something not on my list below, send me a message and let me know about it!
Before I start, let’s be real. Buying convenience food isn’t always going to be the most cost effective option vs cooking at home from scratch. But, it costs less than meal after meal from the drive-thru. Plus, sometimes saving your sanity and maintaining your health is worth a higher grocery bill-even if it’s for a short season.
Even if you don’t have access to all of these options at your grocery store, and even if they aren’t all “perfect”… I hope this still gives you some ideas for those tough weeks when you just can’t with meal planning!
Healthy + Convenient Options
Frozen Edamame Beans
Served with soy sauce, garlic and chilli flakes = a filling snack or meal with tons of protein, fibre & flavour that comes together in about 5 min.
Smoothie Cubes
I love these Evive ones! But any pre-made smoothie packs work. They are great as a snack or breakfast, adding a variety of fruit and veg to your diet when you’re really busy.
(You may need to add a scoop of protein powder to make it a full meal)
Frozen Egg Bites/Quiches
Easy, quick protein - usually minimal ingredients and a bonus if there are some veggies in there!
Muesli (Bob's Red Mill has a great one!)
High in fibre, and decent in protein, it makes a super quick hot or cold brekkie/snack with a bit of milk & fruit.
Dips
Cashew-based, tzatziki or hummus are all great with veggies or crackers for a blood sugar balancing snack. The one that caught my eye at the grocery store was the Chives & Garlic Creamy Cashew Dip from Spred’em
Sodium Reduced Soups
Look for ones with peas or beans for protein, and don’t be afraid to beef them up with some rotisserie chicken on the side! One of my personal favourites is the Amy’s Kitchen Split Pea.
All in one Protein Shake mix from Good Protein
The 7g fibre and over 20g protein make this a great snack (while some would find this a meal, IMO a powder is never fully satisfying for a full meal, but that’s just me!)
Baked Beans
Filling, tasty, quick comfort food. Look for lower sugar options like the ones from Eat Wholesome Food Co. and throw together a quick salad on the side for a full meal
Whole Food Based Veggie Patties
Have you tried Big Mountain Foods Mushroom Burger yet?! AMAZING! Patties are such a yummy and fast lunch option. Warm on the stove or air fryer, top with cheese, ketchup, mustard and pickles and enjoy with or without a bun.
Breakfast Sausages
Pair with a simple salad or crudites and you have a quick, easy lunch! Check out the ones from Legends Haul.
Pre-mixed Tuna Salad Packs
Perfect with crackers and veg - tasty, no fuss, super filling. On my sleuthing trip, I found ones from Raincoast Global that look delish!
One Pot Chickpea Pasta from Chickapea Pasta
Gives all the nostalgic mac & cheese feels (and just as yummy), but elevated for your adult palate
The moral of the story:
Don’t be afraid that your healthy eating journey is going to be derailed by adding convenience options to your grocery cart. If it helps you stay more consistent overall, then it’s a win! Healthy eating doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
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