Grocery Shopping, Have a Plan

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like grocery shopping. However I love to eat, so the process is a necessary evil. It’s not just about eating though. It’s about choosing to eat healthier and making nutrition a priority. But, with cookies and other goodies down every isle, picking the right food can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to have a plan!

Make a list – It’s a good idea to jot down ingredients for healthy meals and lists of snacks for the week (or however often you grocery shop). This serves two purposes. You won’t forget anything and it’s a way to hold yourself accountable. Stick to your list. If you spot ice cream on sale and think “why not’, check your list. If it’s not on there, move on.

Don’t go hungry – I’m sure you’ve heard this before and it’s very true. If your stomach is rumbling when you’re grocery shopping, you’re more likely to reach for items you don’t need. Besides the possibility of ending up with unhealthy choices, you run the risk of increasing your grocery bill.

Stay along the perimeter – The way most grocery stores are arranged, fresh foods (meats, veggies, and fruit) are located around the perimeter of the store.  This is where you should be doing the majority of your shopping. As you maneuver into the inner aisles, you’ll find more of the pre-packaged and processed items.  These are not as healthy for you. Plus, not going down the aisles with the sugary snacks will reduce your likelihood of being tempted.

Yes, healthier eating takes some effort. It’s worth it though if you’re able to lose those extra 10 pounds or even just feel better during the day. And for many of us, the grocery store is where it all starts.

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