Does this sound familiar?  You have been in the grocery store for at least an hour shopping for the upcoming week with the kids in tow.

Yes, they have snuck a few things into the cart that you might not be too fond of, but you are choosing your battles.

Then comes the checkout lane-filled with colorful candy and hearing the whines of “Puuuleeeasessseee, can I have one?”  Do you give in?

Wouldn’t it be easier to have a checkout lane filled with naturally colored fruit? Wouldn’t it be healthier to have a selection of wholesome snacks for your kids to choose from?  Wouldn’t it make for a happier mom or dad to know your kids are choosing a healthier option that you can feel good about saying “yes” to?

It’s time for a new beginning to your shopping experience.  Check out the new Healthy Checkout Lane at Austin Hy-Vee for an easier, healthier and happier shopping trip. In this lane, filled with naturally colored fruits, wholesome snacks and foods you can feel good about feeding your family.

You will be amazed at the choices available.

This lane has been in the works for months and was completed two weeks ago. We have dedicated a space in a convenient location at the center of the checkout lanes, so it’s easily accessible to any customer looking for a healthier snack on her or his way out the door.

Another way to make your shopping trip easier, healthier and happier is through a Wellness Wednesday meal.

Initially, the goal of this program was to offer a healthier meal from the Austin Hy-Vee Kitchen one day a week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  But customer feedback has encouraged us to offer these healthier lunches each weekday, Monday through Friday.

Each meal is dietitian-approved and chef-prepared. The aim for each of these meals is to provide you with a MyPlate meal.

A MyPlate meal is one that features a serving of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and a serving of dairy, ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs to help you maintain a healthy weight, feel good and provide energy to fuel your day.

It’s National Nutrition Month.  A time to eat right, your way, every day-and Austin Hy-Vee is helping you do that by making your shopping trip an easier, healthier and happier one.

Rice, beef and bean wraps

Serves 6

All you need

•6 fajita-size flour tortillas, warmed (whole wheat preferred)

•2 cups hot, prepared instant brown rice, divided

•1-½ cups reduced-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed, divided

•1-1/2 cups canned Mexicorn, drained, divided

•12 oz cooked lean round steak or grilled chicken, chopped, divided

Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Salsa, optional

Shredded Romaine lettuce, optional

All you do

1. On each tortilla, layer rice, beans, Mexicorn and round steak.  Top with cheese, salsa and lettuce if desired.

2. Roll up and serve.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 320 calories, 7 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 560 mg sodium, 41 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 25 g protein.

Daily Values: 0% vitamin A, 6% vitamin C, 8% calcium, 20% iron.