It has become a practice of self-care when I cook healthy and delicious meals. When I devote myself to being mindful of what I am eat I feel it gives the same feeling that people (not me chile..) get from making up your bed in the morning, like if nothing else gets done at the end of the say, at least I know I am going home to a made-up bed. When I am consist with eating healthy though I definitely have more energy, clear skin & mind, and a “Go Gina!” moment! 

Some stigmas that I heard before being more purposeful with my meals/snacks were the unreasonably high prices for vegetables and fruits, but they aren’t as expensive as we might think. With a set budget and a reliable place to shop that changed my whole perspective! I usually set my shopping budget and have my calculator ready when I go to Aldi’s. 

I think you should also decide which is your best bet as a shopper, when it comes to produce, I find Aldi reasonable and their fruits/vegetables not as perishable as some other nearby stores, but if you don’t have an Aldi’s or something similar to it maybe, try to mix and match spots for each appropriate season.

I’m not a dietitian. I can only advice what meals and snacks that I pick up but you can adjust it to your own personal diet. Also, if you have a history of any eating disorder I want you take these tips/list lightly and your mental healthy very seriously. I wouldn’t want anyone to be discouraged or addicted to an idea of a one size fits all image of healthy living/eating. This is to encourage and to help anyone who might need ideas and/or motivation as they take this new step. Much Love. 

Your 2025 (intentional) grocery/meal list:

• Pita & Tzatziki Greek yogurt 
• Honey Yogurt & Granola 
• Fruit salad (strawberries, apples, bananas, and most recently, plums!) 
• Smothered Potatoes & Avocado toast 
• Rice (brown or white), Smoked turkey sausage, Bell peppers
• Stuffed Salmon w/ creamy Spinach 
• Shrimp Burgers (Idk how healthy these are but they are so good!)
• Spaghetti Squash 
• Crackers, cheese & grapes (If you are a big snacker…like me)
• Pretzels and Tzatziki (another good snack) 
• Homemade Cava Bowl (Baby Lettuce, rice, black bean, cheese, avocado, Hawaiian coconut chicken, etc..)
• Chicken sliders 
• Kombucha/ Water over soda, pop, whatever you call it 🙂 

Now “Keeping it Pretty” means a pretty plate. It’s just another step to show that you are intentional with your food. “Why does it got to be pretty we are just going to eat it”, so you’re telling me when you come across a cooking show or video you don’t like a pretty plate?! Okay then, put some creativity on that plate! And you don’t have to be a professional five star chef, but being aware of the color palette, texture, even tableware if you got it like that with a candle is romanizing and valuing your time cooking and eating. I don’t care what no one says. Add that cilantro, sis. 

As I start to cook more, I watch different cooking channels…specifically on Youtube, but the two I would most suggest for HEALTHY eating will be linked below. Make sure to write down a recipe or two, it don’t hurt to learn something new. 

With that being said, make sure to Subscribe for more, leave a comment, and engage with the poll and tell me which meal/snack you look forward to eating. 

– Andrew Bernard & Shakayla Felice –

https://www.youtube.com/@thenarddogcooks

https://www.youtube.com/@Shakaylafelice