Shopping for Vegetables

Simple Tips
  • Replace iceberg lettuce with an alternative leafy green such as Mixed Greens, Spinach, Romaine or Kale. Iceberg lettuce contains significantly fewer nutrients as compared to these other lettuce varieties. Again, individuals taking anticoagulant medicine to help thin blood (e.g. Coumadin©) should ask their physicians about the best lettuce choice for their particular situation.
  • Remember to eat a variety of vegetables. Our “best” picks are good to start with, but try other produce as well.
  • Limit starchy vegetables in favor of other choices with lower carbohydrate content. This is particularly important for individuals with diabetes.
  • Check out local Farmers’ Markets and produce vendors for fresh, ripe, and in-season varieties.
  • It can be easy to get your daily dose of vegetables! Chop a variety and add them to salads, soups, casseroles, sauces, and more.
  • If you purchase canned vegetables, be sure to drain and rinse them to get rid of some of the added sodium.
  • Most varieties of vegetables freeze well. Slice, dice, and chop larger quantities and pack the rest in freezer-safe bags or small containers to use at another time. It saves time and money!
  • Buy dried beans and peas and soak them yourself! You can save lots of money at the store with just a little extra effort.