I've heard lots of people say that they shop for healthy foods at the grocery store, but then I look around at what's in everyone's cart, and I think, where are these people? Does no one know what a healthy grocery cart looks like? There are so many things with 'low fat', 'fat free', 'reduced calorie', 'fresh!', 'healthy', 'low carb' and 'diet' on the label that I think it confuses people. So, while I'm not perfect, I know a thing or two about this health thing, and I encourage you to take a tip or two from my list. So, what's on it? Read on. Pick and choose a couple ideas to see if they work for you.

Skim Milk. I know that a bunch of you just cringed. That's okay. I don't expect everyone to jump on this bandwagon, but I can suggest that you switch to a lower-fat variety of milk. Currently drinking whole? Switch to 2%. Then switch to 1%. It may take time and a taste-bud adjustment, but your heart and your waistline will thank you.

Chocolate Soy Milk. Soy milk is packed with protein, it's easy on the tummy, and it tastes good, to boot! I don't drink it straight, but it's how I make my cafe mocha every morning. Just brew expresso, heat up the chocolate soy milk, and mix! It's delicious! It's also a good way to make oatmeal in the morning--just heat up old-fashioned oats with chocolate soy milk, and you have a chocolate oatmeal breakfast!

Eggs. Every day for lunch (I'm a light breakfast eater) I go home and make scrambled eggs and toast. They're a great source of protein, they taste fantastic, and they're filling! Add veggies on the side, or mix them in to make an omlet. You've got a quick, easy, and balanced lunch.

Smart Balance Vegetable Oil Spread. You don't have to buy Smart Balance, but it's the brand I get. As long as you replace your butter or your margarine with a trans-fat free variety of spread, you're good to go.

100% Orange Juice. Really, I tend to eat my fruit, but for those of you who like juice in the morning, whether it's orange juice or another variety, make sure it's 100% juice, not a "cocktail" or a "juice drink." Sorry, Moms, Sunny D is out...but Juicy Juice is in! You can even save money by buying juice concentrate and mixing it yourself.

Part-Skim Mozarella String Cheese. These have protein and fat, so will tend to fill you up for a quick snack. They also pack lots of calcium & they're easy to throw in your purse and carry with you.

Single-Serving Light Yogurts. We usually get the store brand, but the light variety tends to be lower in fat and sugar, which is a better option. Again, they're easy to take with you for a quick snack--just don't forget the spoon.

Peanuts (or another nut variety). Healthy fats, extra fiber, and easy to take with you, these are another great snack. Just make sure you portion them out so you don't over do it.

Tortilla Chips. I'm a girl who loves my salty treats. I buy tortilla chips because they tend to have more fiber than other varieties, and I eat them with salsa and guacamole, which means they help me to get my veggies for the day. Again, just make sure you read the information about portion size, then limit yourself to that many chips.

Coffee. I LOVE coffee. I could write songs and poems about coffee. The great thing is that it's good for you, too, packing losts of antioxidants. So...drink up.

Natural Peanut Butter & Blackberry Preserves. I love natural peanut butter. I know like some other things, this can take getting used to. It's not as sweet as Jif or Skippy, but darn, it's good! Add fruit preserves, and you've got a healthy and delicious sandwich.

Black & Green Olives. I buy these to top salads and throw on top of frozen pizzas. Again, I love salty treats, so I always have these on hand.

Salsa. It's a great way to get more veggies. Eat with chips, use as a salad dressing (yup, instant taco salad!), put on eggs, etc. It's delish!

Low Sodium V-8. Again, I know people are making faces. But, this is MY shopping list, remember? You don't have to try everything, BUT V-8 is a great way to get your veggies. I drink mine mid-morning for a pick-me-up with a piece of fruit.

Chicken Breasts. I usually just buy the frozen bag of chicken breasts, then every Sunday I will grill them all on our Foreman Grill, then we've got them ready to go all week.

Extra Lean Ground Beef. I get the 96/4 variety. I either make it into patties and grill them with the chicken breasts so we have hamburger patties during the week, or I'll brown it so we can throw it into a pasta sauce or on top of a salad when we make a meal.

100% Whole Wheat Double-Fiber Bread. This bread packs up to 7 grams of fiber per slice. It's think & hearty & I love it! I feel like I'm doing something good for myself every time I eat it. It's true, it costs more, but I think it's worth every penny.

Amy's Organic Single-Serving Frozen Pizzas or Freschetta's Ultra-Thin Crust Single-Serving Pizzas. I've chosen these two varieties because I think they taste great, they have fewer than 450 calories for the whole serving, and because I won't over-eat. I cut up onions and bell peppers, and throw them on top with olives, and sometimes jalepenos! Delicious and easy!

100% Whole Wheat Pasta. Again, it takes a little getting used to, but once you've adjusted, you won't go back. Just beware the boxes that say "whole wheat blend"--they're tricking you!

Pasta Sauce. Get whatever variety you like, as long as it doesn't have cheese or meat in it--do you really want meat or cheese that can sit in a can for months? I LOVE the varieties with basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Fruits & Veggies: avacados (to mix with salsa for guacamole), broccoli (fresh or frozen), asparagus (there's a great frozen variety at Wal-Mart that's already in a microwavable container, just pop it in the microwave), tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, romaine lettuce, bell peppers, bananas, apples, oranges, grapefruit, and berries. This section is basically for what you like. But make sure to get plenty. Frozen berries and vegetables are great because they have a longer shelf-life, but be sure to get stuff you can throw in a baggie and take with you, too.

Fudge Pops or Real Fruit Pops. These are my desserts. They're easy and taste great.

Red Wine & Chocolate. I don't deny myself these things, but I don't buy them during my regular shopping trip, either, 'cause if they're around, I'll imbibe. What I do is if I get home one night, and I really want wine and/or chocolate, I'll wait 30 minutes, if I still want them, I'll go to the store and get them. It's just my way of making sure that I'm only purchasing them when I really want them. The same goes for other treats--go ahead & indulge when you're craving it, but make yourself take a special trip to the store to puchase them. And when you go to the store, buy a single serving--1 snickers bar (normal sized), not a whole bag of them.

Well, there you have it, my normal grocery list! Maybe it's not to your liking, but try a couple things and see how it goes. Happy Shopping!