Here are 10 great ways to add highly rated Guiding Stars foods and beverages to your shopping cart!
1. Fruits – Did you know fruits can be fresh, frozen or canned (just make sure there is no added sugar) and still receive 2 or 3 star?
2. Vegetables – The same is true for veggies. Most fresh, frozen or canned vegetables (just make sure there is no added salt) are 2 or 3 star foods.
3. Skim and 1% milk – these are the stars in the dairy world.
4. 100% whole wheat bread – whole grains are a great way to boost your fiber intake and garner you more stars. Make sure it says “100% whole wheat.”
5. Olive and canola oils – cook with these liquid fats and enjoy their starred health benefits.
6. Fish – a lean protein-rich food that can be prepared quickly and keep you healthy.
7. Chicken – a protein-rich food that is lean and star worthy after the skin is removed.
8. Cereal – many cereals are low in sugar and high in fiber – have the kids pick a starred cereal the next time you go food shopping.
9. Pasta – a staple in my pantry and yours? Most pastas have 1 or 2 stars as the pasta flour is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Pastas that are whole grain or whole wheat will do even better earning 2 or 3 stars.
10. Snacks – nuts are 3 star foods! Snack on them in small portions.
Which top 10 will you try the next time you are at the market? What are your ideas for easy star picks?
For More Information
Food Finder – Our search engine allows you to search for any of 50,000 foods in the Guiding Stars database and view the zero, one, two or three star nutrition rating for that food. Visit Food Finder »
About our Nutrition Expert
Lori Kaley MS, RD, LD, MSB is a member of the Guiding Stars Scientific Advisory Panel. Lori has 30 years of combined experience working in healthcare and public health creating policies and environments to help families and children have access to healthy foods and beverages. She is currently Policy Associate at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service.
Lori’s greatest achievement and joy has been in raising her three daughters to be healthy and productive young adults, each with their own particular love of food, cooking and being physically active. Lori’s passion for nutritional community outreach has been a cornerstone of the Guiding Stars Scientific Advisory Panel. Lori regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.