Often my customers request store tours and help with meal ideas.

My recommendation: One of the best ways to learn about food is to get out of the kitchen. We all get into a rut and need inspiration, so get into the grocery store aisles, pick up the food, look where you normally don’t look or get outside to a farmers’ market or in the garden.

This is a great learning experience for the whole family.

When I offer healthy supermarket tours to customers, the old adage of “shopping the perimeter of the store” for the healthier foods is starting to go by the wayside. There are plenty of healthy and convenient items to be found in the aisles.

Stock your cupboards at home with these items:

Fresh produce: With the new recommendation of half your plate being fruits and vegetables, this is the place to start with meal planning.

Buy a variety, chop it up when you get home and have it ready for the week.

Don’t be afraid to buy pre-cut items; if it gets it on the table, you will be healthier for it. And don’t forget the portable fruits.

Whole grain pita bread: Not only can this be used as a delicious sandwich, you can make this into individual pizzas the whole family will love.  Use those pre-chopped vegetables and low-fat cheese with unique sauce ideas like pesto, salsa, barbecue sauce or refried beans.

Fresh pasta: Cooks up faster than dried; look for the whole grain option to boost your fiber and make you feel more full.

Individual peanut butter cups: Go perfectly with whole grain crackers, apples or pears, carrot or celery sticks.

Frozen mashed sweet potatoes: In about eight minutes, you could have a steaming fresh, vitamin A-packed side dish that would pair deliciously with chicken or pork.

Whole wheat couscous: ready in five minutes, it offers a serving of whole grain and can be tossed with any steamed vegetable or black beans, corn and cilantro.

Precooked quinoa in a pouch: Add fall flavors (sautéed celery and onion, nuts and dried cranberries) for a real treat.

This is just a sampling of the healthier convenience items you can find at the supermarket — and the best part, they are dietitian-approved. Stocking these foods in your home allows you the flexibility to make a meal that fits into your schedule.

The key to family meals can be looked at like a garden; a little planning and diligence can go a long way but the benefits will pay for life.

BBQ Pork Tenderloin Pizza

Serves 6

All you need

1 (14 oz) prepared pizza crust

1/2 cup Hy-Vee barbecue sauce

1/4 lb cooked pork tenderloin, cut into bite-size strips

1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup diced green pepper

1/2 cup diced red pepper

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup Hy-Vee mozzarella cheese

All you do

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Place crust on baking sheet.

2. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over crust.  Top with pork, mushrooms, green and red peppers, onion and cheese.

3. Bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 290 calories, 6g fat, 2g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 20mg cholesterol, 570mg sodium, 43g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 10g sugar, 14g protein.

Daily Values: 10% vitamin A, 45% vitamin C, 15% calcium, 15% iron.