One unintended consequence of the recession is that American eating habits have changed. Overall this is a good thing, because families are eating at home more often. This is certainly beneficial for children.

Meals prepared at home tend to be more nutritious and the time spent with the family around the kitchen table is invaluable. During mealtimes families bond together, share experiences and children learn to eat healthy foods.

New market data has revealed that 81 percent of Americans eat dinner at home and plan meals in advance.

The data from the NPD Group’s National Eating Trends reveals there has been a decline in eating out. Although the decline on eating out is slowing, visits to restaurants have continued to decline for two years.

Instead of eating fast food,
Ethan is enjoying a meal made at home.

When heading out to the grocery store, I have to have a list or I’m sure to forget the most important item I need. Turns out, the majority of U.S. shoppers make out a grocery list before going to the market, as well. According to the Before the Store report also by NPD Group, 94 percent of U.S. shoppers prepare a written shopping list prior to grocery shopping. Furthermore, their research found that “72 percent of shoppers never or only occasionally buy items not on the list.”

Woman of the household are more likely to be responsible for most of the grocery shopping and meal planning. Although, the grocery list preparation tends to be a family affair. Sixty percent of married and family households report family members contributed to the grocery list.

Food manufactures goal is to get their processed food on your shopping list. Processed food is less nutritious and more expensive. For better health and lower grocery bills, avoid processed food. Shopping from a comprehensive grocery list is the best way to accomplish this.

“For food and beverage manufacturers and retailers, it’s all about getting on the list,” said Ann Hanson, executive director of product development and author of the report. “With so many purchasing decisions being made at home where meals are being planned and shopping lists assembled, it’s important to focus on the consumer at home before they leave for the store.”

When you shop with the Baby Bites Grocery List you’ll purchase the nutritious foods you need… And you’ll leave expensive, processed, empty-calorie foods behind. Click Here for the free grocery list.

CLICK HERE for the Baby Bites Store.

For info about the free Baby Bites Ezine,  CLICK HERE

Come on in and make yourself comfy. I’d love to have your company! Let me put the teapot on and get out the tea caddy. In my kitchen, you’ll find oodles of healthy easy-to-make recipes, the low-down on additives, and a useful grocery list. Be sure to check out:

• Healthy Recipes

• Horrible Foods to avoid

• Grocery List for your next shopping trip

Shop with a grocery list and you’ll purchase the nutritious foods you need… And you’ll leave expensive, processed, empty calorie foods behind.

< For a printer-friendly copy of the Baby Bites^® Grocery List click on Try Rannosaurus and he’ll serve you up a printer friendly PDF.

Canned Foods
Look for canned foods with low salt & no sugar

• Applesauce (sugar-free)
• Beef Broth (low salt)
• Black Beans
• Cannellini Beans
• Chicken
• Chicken Broth (low salt)
• Green Chilies
• Kidney Beans
• Pineapple
• Pinto Beans
• Refried Beans
• Soup_______________
• Tomatoes: 14 oz or 28 oz
• Tuna, Chunk Light
• ____________________
• ____________________
  
• ____________________
• ____________________

Dairy

• Butter
• Cheese _______________
• _______________________
• _______________________

• Eggs-Grain Fed/Cage Free
• Milk
• Yogurt (plain)
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

Frozen Foods

• Apple Juice
• Broccoli
• Green Beans
• Ground Beef or Turkey
• Fish Sticks
• Orange Juice
• Turkey Sausage
• Peas
• Spinach Chopped
• Strawberries
• Whole-Wheat Waffles
• ____________________

Grains & Nuts

• Bread
• Brown Rice
• Chips ______________
• Cereal______________
• Cookies_____________
• Crackers____________
• Cream of Wheat
• Nuts________________
• Oatmeal
• Pancake Mix (Whole-Grain)
• Pasta
• Popcorn
• Raisins
• Seeds
• Pumpkin / Sunflower
• Tortilla, wheat
• ____________________
• ____________________

Meats & Fish

• Beef _________________
• ____________________
• Chicken _____________
• ____________________
• Chicken/Turkey Sausage
• ____________________
• Fish ________________
• Cod Filets
• Haddock
• Salmon (avoid farm-raised)
• Lamb
• Turkey Bacon
• ____________________
• ____________________

Produce/Fruit

• Apples
• Bananas
• Berries ______________
• Grapes: Red or Green
• Lemon or Lime
• Melon
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

Produce/Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cilantro
• Cucumber
• Garlic
• Green Onions
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Onions: Yellow or Red
• Parsley
• Pepper: Green or Red
• Potatoes
• Spinach
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

Staples/Condiments

• Coffee
• Coconut Oil
• Flour
• Whole-Wheat Pastry
• Whole-Wheat
• Other_____________
• Garlic Powder
• Honey
• Jelly (100% Fruit)
• Juice (100% Juice)
  Grape/Pomegranate/Cranberry

• Ketchup
• Lemon / Lime Juice
• Maple Syrup (100% Pure)
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
• Olives: Black or Green
• Picanté Sauce
• Peanut Butter(No trans fat or sugar)
• Seasonings__________
• Tea _______________
• Vinegar: White/Wine/Balsamic
• ____________________

Miscellaneous

• Pet Food
• Water
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• ____________________
• ____________________
• Paper Products

• Napkins
• Paper Towels
• Sandwich Bags
• Tissue
• Toilet Paper
• ____________________

Personal Items

• Band-Aids
• Diapers
• Diaper Wipes
• Hand Sanitizers
• Deodorant
• Feminine Hygiene
• Floss
• Hand Lotion
• Mouth Wash
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Vitamins

Cleaning Products

• Dish Soap
• Dishwasher Detergent
• Furniture Polish
• Kitchen Counter Cleaner
• Laundry Detergent
• Sponges
• Toilet Cleaner
• Window Cleaner
• ____________________
• ____________________