Good, Better and Best: How to Navigate Your Grocery Store

You do not have to eat an organic diet to eat healthy. 

You do need to stop eating potato chips and ice cream on the regular.

You have to stop drinking pop. You have to care what you put in and on your body. If you’re more of an eat-out or junk food kind of person, this is going to be a challenge for you. Get thee to a grocery store, stat!

Grocery shopping rule of thumb: shop the perimeter and stay out of the center aisles.
 
1. Protein
GOOD: Go to the dairy section and get the highest quality eggs available or better yet, find a farmer who raises free range chickens. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and, even at $4 or $5 per dozen, are one of the least expensive ways to add protein to your diet.
 
BETTER: Buy the highest quality of the protein you eat the most. Next add beef, lamb, goat, wild game, fish and eggs, and then chicken and pork. Choose the leanest cuts, or trim the fat from the cuts you buy as toxins are stored in fat tissue.
 
BEST: Look for labels reading “grass fed and finished,” 100% grass fed, pastured, organic, and wild caught seafood (remember to avoid shrimp, tilapia, and farm raised salmon altogether). Also, organ meats, even organic or pastured, are often inexpensive because the demand is fairly low. If you can only afford a certain amount of grass fed or pastured meats, purchase those in the fatty cuts since the fat will be cleaner.
 
AVOID: Commercially raised bacon, sausage and deli meats. A few brands that are widely available and acceptable are Applegate and Plainville Organic.
 
BUY LOCAL: Find a local farmer and compare prices—it may be cheaper to purchase from the farmer than from the grocery market. Some great online resources for finding proteins include:
 
  • eatwild.com
  • localharvest.org
  • eatwellguide.org
 
2. Produce
GOOD: Fruits—eat them, but sparingly. Frozen fruits are flash frozen at their peak and will be the most nutrient dense and generally less expensive. Plus you don’t have to worry about waste.
 
BETTER: Vegetables and more vegetables. Leafy greens are a great source of vitamins C, E and K and many B vitamins and minerals too. Buy frozen veggies because they have more nutrients than produce that is sitting in the store waiting to be purchased. You can also stock up on staple veggies and freeze them yourself.
 
BEST: Purchase produce based on the Environmental Working Group's list of Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen. Vegetables and fruits contain essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The fiber in them is so very important for regulating hunger hormones and helping feed the good bacteria in the gut. If purchasing from this list is too cost prohibitive, stick to high quality meats first and foremost and just start eating more veggies.
 
BUY LOCAL: Fruits and veggies should be purchased locally and in season if possible as produce picked at its peak has more nutrients than produce picked a month before it has ripened. Some great resources for buying local produce include:
 
  • Farmers market -- you can purchase fresh picked vegetables for about the same or less than in the grocery store.
  • CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) -- produce will be delivered throughout the growing season. This is often the most affordable way to get food for your family.
  • Bulk buy through groups such as local food cooperatives – a large amount of an item is purchased and consumers share the cost.
 
3. Fats
GOOD: Healthy fats are important for your cellular structure. Some of the best sources of fat are also the cheapest. Canned coconut milk is around $2 per can and gives you around 70 grams of fat per can!
 
BETTER: Stock up on coconut oil and olive oil when you find it on sale or when your budget allows for these things. Organic and pastured butter or ghee are also great fats to consume but are a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way.
 
BEST: Nuts are a good source of fat and are super easy to rely on for a quick snack of quality fats. However, they are not meant to be consumed in large quantities, so stick with two tablespoons or a small handful per day. Go for raw (soak and sprout them, then dehydrate them) or dry roasted nuts.
 
You might be a little shocked at your grocery bill the first few times you shop, but in the long run, it’s worth it. If you can fill your cart with items from these three essential categories, you will be off to a great start for eating healthier and feeling better.

Feel like you need more help?  Cutting sugar out of your diet is a vital step towards better health, but often it's hard to know what sugar is in since it hides behind so many ingredient names. Check out my FREE 4 Types of Sugar Guide to help you learn where sugar lurks and be equipped to choose foods that don't contain sugar. 

Don't Miss Out!

Heidi Toy Functional Medicine Blog

By Heidi Toy February 17, 2025
Discover How CoQ10 Supports Heart Health, Energy Levels, and More—Especially During Heart Health Month.
Candida yeast overgrowth
By Heidi Toy February 14, 2025
Good Yeast, Bad Yeast
By Heidi Toy February 5, 2025
Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show your love with thoughtful gifts that align with your partner's Paleo lifestyle.
By Heidi Toy January 14, 2025
One of the reasons fad diets often fail is because they are not sustainable. The other reason is because they usually harm different systems in the body as much as they are meant to help. As with all health issues, when it comes to diet, everything should be in moderation. The following five diet points all involve TOO much of a “good thing”:
By Heidi Toy January 3, 2025
From Seed Oils to Sustainable Farming: How We Can Reclaim Our Health and Make America Healthy Again
By Heidi Toy December 15, 2024
Hormones. The Hot Topic for Men + Women
By Heidi Toy December 14, 2024
Cortisol and weight gain often go hand in hand, but there are ways to break the cycle. Discover five effective ways to reduce cortisol levels and prevent weight gain.
By Heidi Toy November 27, 2024
When it comes to improving your health and energy levels, the balance between sodium and potassium is crucial. These two minerals are involved in essential cellular functions, working together to maintain your body’s energy, hydration, and response to stress. If you're looking to enhance your mood, energy, and overall well-being, learning about this balance is vital. The Role of Sodium and Potassium in Your Body Inside each of your cells, the sodium-potassium pump helps regulate the movement of nutrients and waste. This process is essential for maintaining energy levels, proper hydration, and managing stress responses. The ratio between sodium and potassium determines how well this pump operates, making it critical for your health. Think of this balance like a tightrope: too much or too little on either side, and things can start to go wrong. Imbalances in sodium and potassium can lead to health problems that may already be affecting how you feel on a daily basis. Ideal Sodium-Potassium Ratio for Health In Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), the optimal sodium-to-potassium ratio typically falls between 2.1 and 3.1, with 2.4 being the median. This ratio reflects how well your body manages stress, inflammation, and hydration. When your sodium-potassium balance is off, it can be a sign of deeper issues with stress and overall health. High Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Signal of Acute Stress A sodium-potassium ratio above 3.1 suggests that your body may be dealing with acute stress or inflammation. Some common signs of an elevated ratio include: Water Retention and Bloating: High sodium levels can cause the body to retain water, leading to puffiness or swelling. High Blood Pressure: Increased sodium often results in elevated blood pressure, especially if excess water is being held in your system. Mood Swings and Irritability: Rapid changes in mood, heightened stress responses, and irritability can be tied to high sodium levels. Hormonal Imbalances: An imbalance in sodium and potassium can lead to estrogen dominance, affecting other hormones and potentially causing mood swings, bloating, and menstrual irregularities. Liver and Kidney Strain: If your ratio is excessively high—above 12—it can indicate significant stress on your liver and kidneys, two organs essential for detoxification. Factors such as exposure to heavy metals (like copper, mercury, or aluminum) or certain medications can also elevate your sodium levels, pushing this ratio higher. Low Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Marker of Chronic Fatigue If your sodium-to-potassium ratio falls below 2.1, it’s often a sign of chronic fatigue or prolonged stress. A low ratio, also known as an "inverted ratio," is associated with several symptoms: Chronic Fatigue and Weak Immunity: A low ratio indicates that your body is exhausted, often resulting in feelings of extreme fatigue and a weakened immune system. Food Cravings and Digestive Issues: Low potassium levels can trigger cravings for sugar or stimulants, and may lead to digestive discomfort. Emotional Instability: Low potassium can also contribute to irritability, frustration, and feelings of being emotionally drained. Trauma Response: When the sodium-potassium ratio dips below 1, it can be linked to deep-seated stress or trauma, signaling that your body needs serious support. As with a high ratio, heavy metal toxicity or certain medical treatments can contribute to a lowered sodium-potassium ratio, making it essential to address both mineral imbalances and environmental factors. How to Restore Sodium-Potassium Balance Bringing your sodium-potassium ratio back into balance is key to improving energy and overall health. Here's what you can do: For a High Ratio: Increase Potassium-Rich Foods: Eat more potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to help counteract high sodium levels. Reduce Inflammation: Investigate possible sources of chronic inflammation, whether it's diet-related, stress-related, or due to exposure to toxins. Lower Stress: Engage in stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise to help reduce inflammation and restore balance. For a Low Ratio: Consider Potassium Supplements: If HTMA results show low potassium, supplementation may be necessary to correct the imbalance. Support Emotional Health: Chronic stress or trauma can often be at the root of low ratios. Seeking emotional support through therapy or stress-reducing activities can help. Check for Toxic Metals: If heavy metals are present, detoxifying your body may be required to restore proper sodium-potassium balance. Conclusion: Balance is Key to Wellness The sodium-potassium ratio may seem like a small detail, but it has a major impact on your health and energy levels. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, mood swings, or inflammation, maintaining the right sodium-potassium balance is crucial for overall vitality. Paying attention to this balance can help you manage stress, support your hydration, and guide you toward better health. By incorporating strategies to restore your sodium-potassium ratio, you can take control of your well-being and experience more energy, better mood stability, and improved resilience against stress. HTMA is the way to understand your own ratio. In a few days, the 'Special of the Year' will be revealed, allowing you to discover your personal ratio and learn how to enhance it, along with your health and energy! Make sure to sign up for my newsletter and open your emails!
By Heidi Toy November 20, 2024
It’s a safe bet that many people today are dealing with sluggish livers, even if they don't realize it. With the constant exposure to toxins in our modern environment, the liver, our body’s primary detox organ, is working overtime to clear out the “junk” we encounter every day. Whether it’s heavy metals, chemical pollutants, mold, or even stress, your liver is under constant pressure to keep up. While it’s easy to assume that most of us have some level of liver dysfunction, it’s important to understand how serious the situation is for each individual. A sluggish liver can lead to a variety of health issues, but it’s not always easy to pinpoint without the right testing. That’s where a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) comes in, offering valuable insights into liver function and overall health. Here’s how an HTMA can help assess liver health and why you should consider this test for yourself or your family. 1. Cobalt Levels: A Clue to Liver Health One of the best indicators of liver performance that shows up on an HTMA panel is cobalt. Cobalt is a mineral that has two sides: as part of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin), and as a toxic metal in high amounts. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, the body can’t absorb Vitamin B12 efficiently, leading to cobalt accumulation in the liver. This build-up can manifest in various health issues, including thyroid problems, tinnitus, blood thickening, and even vision or hearing loss. Elevated cobalt levels in the hair can be a red flag that the liver is under stress. By paying attention to cobalt levels in an HTMA, you can get a clearer picture of your liver’s ability to detoxify and absorb essential nutrients. 2. The Sodium/Potassium Ratio: A Life-Death Indicator Another vital aspect of liver health reflected in HTMA results is the sodium to potassium (Na/K) ratio. Sometimes referred to as the “Life-Death” ratio, this measurement reveals a lot about your body's overall stress and energy levels. A low Na/K ratio typically indicates burnout, chronic fatigue, low stomach acid, and compromised immune function. All of these issues are connected to liver dysfunction. The body’s inability to detoxify and heal is often a result of chronic stress and infections, which can further impair liver function. If you have infections, the liver may be struggling to keep up with the detox demands, making the Na/K ratio a valuable marker for assessing overall liver health. 3. Heavy Metal Levels: A Key Sign of Liver Strain Heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum are highly toxic to the body. When these metals show up in an HTMA panel, it’s a clear indication that the liver is working hard to detoxify the system. Interestingly, low levels of heavy metals can also signal liver trouble. If your HTMA shows little to no heavy metal excretion, it could mean the body is storing these toxins rather than eliminating them. This often points to an overburdened or sluggish liver that isn’t able to keep up with the detoxification demands. Either way, the presence (or absence) of heavy metals is an important clue that your liver might be overwhelmed, making it crucial to support proper detoxification pathways. 4. Oxidation Rate: Slow Metabolism, Slow Detox HTMA also helps assess the body’s metabolic rate through the oxidation rate, which is the balance between calcium and phosphorus. When this ratio is elevated, it indicates slow oxidation, meaning a slower metabolism. People with slow oxidation rates tend to be poor eliminators, meaning they struggle to detoxify and remove toxins from the body. This is another key indicator that the liver is sluggish and not able to efficiently process toxins. When your metabolism slows down, so does your liver’s ability to clear out harmful substances, leaving you feeling fatigued, bloated, and overwhelmed. 5. Lithium Levels: A Detoxification Powerhouse Lithium is a fascinating and often overlooked mineral when it comes to liver health. While most commonly known for its pharmaceutical use in treating bipolar disorder, lithium also plays an important role in detoxification. On an HTMA panel, low lithium levels can indicate poor detoxification, particularly in terms of glutathione production. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, essential for detoxifying the liver and protecting cells from oxidative damage. If lithium is low, it may suggest that your liver is struggling to produce enough glutathione to keep up with detox demands. Although research on lithium’s role in detoxification is still emerging, clinical evidence points to its importance in supporting healthy liver function. The Bottom Line: Start with Minerals for Better Detoxification The liver is central to your body’s ability to detoxify, but it can’t do the job alone. Minerals are the foundation of every detox pathway in the body. Without adequate mineral support, detoxification can’t happen effectively, no matter how many supplements or herbs you take. This is why it’s so important to use HTMA testing to assess mineral levels and create a plan to restore balance. When you support the body with the right minerals, you can improve liver function, increase detoxification, and enhance overall health. Why Wait?  Something Big is Coming! If you’re ready to get serious about your liver health and understand your body’s detox capabilities, there’s no better way to start than with an HTMA test. This test provides critical insights into your mineral balance, liver health, and overall metabolic function. And the best part? A major deal is coming your way this Thanksgiving! Keep an eye on your emails because you won’t want to miss out on what’s coming—a huge opportunity to get the testing and insights you need to take control of your health. Make sure you’re ready for this game-changing offer—it’s going to be the deal of the year!
By Heidi Toy November 14, 2024
Are you struggling to lose weight? Functional medicine may be the solution you've been looking for. This guide explores the role of functional medicine in weight loss and provides practical tips for success.
More Posts
Share by: