Sienna Morgan felt she had to completely reorganise her whole supermarket cart when she initially decided to follow a clean diet. She came to see, though, that eating clean was about selecting full, authentic ingredients that made her feel good rather than about following strict guidelines or purchasing costly superfoods.
“Clean eating means, for me, emphasising fresh, unprocessed foods and avoiding anything with a long list of ingredients I cannot pronounce,” she says. But negotiating the grocery shop can be challenging, particularly given all the marketing labels asserting to be “healthy.” She thus follows a basic shopping list that maintains her meals tasty and healthful.
Sienna fills her cart with vibrant fruits and veggies from the produce department always first. “I try for variation,” she explains. “Leafy greens like spinach and kale, cauliflower and broccoli are cruciferous vegetables, and plenty of seasonal fruits.” Avocados, a mainstay of her diet for their creamy texture and good fats, are also picked up.
She then heads for the protein sections. She chooses fresh, premium sources such wild-caught salmon, organic chicken, and pasture-raised eggs rather than processed meats. She loads black beans, lentils, and chickpeas for plant-based protein. “These are rather flexible,” she says. “I make homemade veggie burgers as well as soups and salads using them.”
Still another must-have on her list are whole grains. Steady energy and fibre abound from brown rice, quinoa, and steel-cut oats. “I used to believe carbs were evil,” she says. But the appropriate carbs keep me full longer and fuel my body.
Regarding dairy, Sienna goes for lightly processed choices including unsweetened almond milk and Greek yoghurt. She points out, “Reading labels is key.” ” Many yoghurts are loaded with added sugars, so I always go for plain and add my own fruit or honey..”
She stays away from one spot specifically. Ultra-processed snacks and sugar-filled beverages crowded the aisles. “If I don’t bring it home, I won’t be tempted,” she says. Rather, she loads on dark chocolate, seeds, and almonds for when appetites strike.
Her golden rule for supermarket buying? Always read ingredient lists; stick to the outside aisles where fresh food is found. “Clean eating is not about perfection,” Sienna notes. “It’s about one grocery trip at a time, improving choices.”
