If I Were Just Starting Out: 5 Changes I’d Focus on First

I bet you didn’t know every time you were at the grocery store you were taking a pop quiz? 

You are standing there, staring at the shelves and all of the products are trying to call for your attention - each one claiming to be healthier than the next. “Low-fat,” “natural,” “organic”… it’s a blur of buzzwords, and you’re left wondering: What’s actually good for my family?

I’ve been there. When I first started trying to eat healthier, grocery shopping felt like a battle. I’d spend so much time second-guessing every decision, only to leave feeling defeated—and a little guilty. It all felt so overwhelming.

I wanted to make better choices, but I didn’t know where to start. Should I go organic? Swap out every pantry staple? Cut out all the snacks my family loved? It felt impossible—not to mention expensive.

Here’s what I wish I’d known back then: You don’t have to change everything overnight. Healthy eating isn’t about being perfect—it’s about starting small and building from there.

If I could go back and do it all again, these are the 5 simple changes I’d focus on first. They’re manageable, affordable, and—best of all—they actually work. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your kids, or your whole family, these swaps make healthy eating feel doable.

Change #1: Skip Sugary Drinks 

Sugary drinks are everywhere. They’re part of the game-day routine, the after-school grab, or even the pick-me-up for you when the day feels endless. I get it—I used to think, It’s just a drink. How bad can it be?

But the real truth -  that “just a drink” could be packing more sugar than a dessert. A 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade? It has 34 grams of sugar—that’s over 8 teaspoons. And a 12-ounce can of Coke or Sprite? 39 grams of sugar—almost 10 teaspoons in just one can. 

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men. For kids? It’s even less—about 25 grams total. That one sports drink or soda? It blows past the limit in minutes.

And if you’re thinking, “Well, I’ll just grab the sugar-free option,” I’ve been there too. But here’s the catch: Most are sweetened with artificial additives like aspartame or sucralose, which can mess with your gut health and make your sugar cravings even worse.

These drinks aren’t fueling your family—they’re draining you. Instead of giving steady energy, they send you on a sugar high followed by a crash that leaves you reaching for another “fix.”

You don’t have to quit your favorite drinks entirely—but when you start choosing options that truly support your body, you’ll feel the difference. More steady energy, fewer mid-afternoon crashes, and a lot less second-guessing about what’s in your cup.

Change #2: Trade Flavored Yogurt for Plain Yogurt with Add-Ins

Flavored yogurts seem like a no-brainer for busy moms. They’re quick, portable, and marketed as healthy snacks for you and your kids. But here’s the hard truth: many of those tiny cups pack close to the same amount as a candy bar. 

Take Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt for example—18 grams of sugar in just one serving, 13 of those grams are added sugar, which is what really matters. That’s like eating a little over 3 teaspoons of sugar in a few bites. Even worse, the “low-fat” or “light” options? They often swap the sugar for artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame, leaving you with less satisfaction and more cravings.

I used to toss these into my cart without a second thought, thinking I was making a healthy choice. 

When you take control of what goes into your yogurt, you’re not just skipping the sugar—you’re getting more flavor, more nutrition, and more of what your body actually needs. Think steady energy, better digestion, and a snack you don’t have to second-guess.

This one change is about so much more than avoiding sugar. It’s about creating a snack that works with your body—not against it.

Change #3: Switch to Cleaner Peanut Butter

Peanut butter was a staple in my house—and honestly, I thought I was doing fine by grabbing the jar labeled “natural.” It wasn’t until I flipped it over that I realized: even the “healthy” brands can sneak in added sugars, palm oil, and fillers that my family doesn’t need.

Take a closer look at the ingredients in most popular peanut butters. If you see anything more than peanuts and salt, it’s a sign that extra junk is hiding in there—things like hydrogenated oils (linked to inflammation) or sugar disguised as “evaporated cane juice.”

Peanut butter should be simple. And when it is, it’s a powerhouse snack packed with healthy fats and protein to keep your family energized. Whether it’s on toast, in a PB&J, or as a dip for apples, choosing a cleaner option can make a big difference without feeling like a sacrifice.

The best part? This isn’t about overhauling your pantry overnight. It’s about being mindful of what you’re already buying—and upgrading one jar at a time.

Change #4: Prioritize Organic for the Dirty Dozen

When I first thought about buying organic, I’ll admit—it felt overwhelming. Everywhere I looked, there were messages about pesticides, chemicals, and all the things I should be avoiding. But when I looked at my grocery budget, going fully organic just wasn’t an option.

That’s when I discovered the Dirty Dozen. It’s a simple guide that helps you focus on the fruits and veggies most likely to have pesticide residues—things like strawberries, spinach, and apples. By prioritizing organic for these, I could make healthier choices without feeling like I had to buy everything organic.

And the best part? There’s a flip side—the Clean Fifteen. These are the fruits and veggies with thicker skins (like avocados, bananas, and onions) that have lower pesticide levels, so conventional options are just fine.

This small change helped me find balance. I didn’t feel guilty for choosing conventional produce where it made sense, and I could focus on the items where organic really matters.

Change #5: Upgrade Protein and Snack Bars

Protein bars seem like the perfect grab-and-go option. I used to think they were a no-brainer—quick, convenient, and “healthy” enough to power me through my day. But when I started paying attention to labels, I realized most of them were packed with sugar, artificial flavors, and processed ingredients. They left me feeling sluggish, not satisfied.

Swapping to bars with simple, real ingredients was a game-changer. I noticed fewer sugar crashes, more steady energy, and a lot less frustration about what I was feeding my body.

Plus, I realized that homemade snacks—like easy energy bites made with nut butter, oats, and dark chocolate—were not only healthier but also more affordable.

These small changes helped me feel better, spend smarter, and avoid the "hanger" trap during busy days.

Start Small, Your Way

Let’s clear up one of the biggest myths about healthy eating: it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You don’t need a complete kitchen overhaul or a massive budget to start making better choices. You just need one small, intentional step at a time.

Maybe it’s swapping out sugary drinks this week or taking a closer look at your favorite protein bar. Maybe it’s deciding to prioritize organic for just a few items instead of everything. Whatever your starting point, it’s the right place for you.

Healthy eating isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every small swap you make adds up. Over time, those swaps lead to more energy, less stress, and a sense of control over what’s feeding your family.

If you’re ready to take that first step but still feel unsure where to begin, I’ve got you covered. My Healthy Swaps MadeEasy Cheat Sheet is the perfect guide to get you started. It’s filled with simple, doable swaps that make a big impact—and it’s free!

Remember:

• You don’t have to buy into the myth that healthy eating is too expensive. (Small, thoughtful changes are budget-friendly!)
• You don’t need hours in the kitchen to make better meals. (Convenience and health can go hand in hand.)
• You don’t have to do it perfectly. (It’s about progress, not a gold star.)

So, what’s one change you’ll make this week? Flip over a label, swap one item in your cart, or just grab the cheat sheet and take it one step at a time.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. And I’m here to support you every step of the way.

💖 Click here to grab your free guide and start small, your way.