The grocery store is supposed to be a place to pick up healthy food for your family and yourself. But it can quickly become a minefield of temptation if you're like me. It's not uncommon for me to walk out of the grocery store with more bags than I came in with—most of them are filled with junk food! So to help you stay on track when shopping for healthy foods, here are some tips:
Know your grocery store.
If you're going to be a responsible shopper, you first need to know your grocery store. Where are the healthiest foods located? Which aisles have the most junk food and processed foods? Where can you find frozen meals not loaded with sodium and high fructose corn syrup?
Doing this will allow you to make smart choices when shopping--and keep yourself from being tempted by cookies and candy bars while perusing other parts of the store.
Pick a day of the week to shop.
● Pick a day of the week to shop.
● Choose a day that is convenient for you and your schedule, but also consider how crowded the store may be on that particular day.
Bring reusable bags.
You can bring your reusable bags to the grocery store.
Bringing your reusable bags to the grocery store is a great way to reduce waste and save money. Reusable bags are better for the environment and good for our health too! If you have access to reusable bags, it's best to use them instead of plastic or paper ones that will end up in landfills after one use.
Create a list ahead of time and stick to it.
● Create a list ahead of time and stick to it.
● Don't be tempted by treats or other products.
● Don't buy things that aren't on your list, even if they're on sale! If you don't need them, don't buy them--you'll save money in the long run by resisting these impulse buys at the grocery store (and everywhere else).
● Choosing a store to shop at. If you have several stores in your area, check out all of them before deciding which one is best for you. Some stores may have more healthy options.
Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, not the center aisles where snacks and junk food are often found.
The center aisles of the grocery store are where you'll find most of the processed foods, which means they're also the most profitable for grocery stores. These products are typically high in calories and sugar and may not be very healthy for you. However, the perimeter of the storehouses is mostly fresh produce, meat, and dairy items--foods that are good for your body. So if you want to eat healthy at home without breaking the bank, stick with these items!
If you don't have any reusable bags, you can always ask the store to put your groceries in a paper bag instead of plastic. You can also use old t-shirts or towels as reusable shopping bags.
Don't shop when you're hungry or tired; both make it hard to resist temptation and stick to your list.
When you're hungry, tired, or in a rush to get home after work, it's easy for your mind to be on other things--like what you're going to make for dinner or if your kids are going to be ready for school on time. When this happens, it's easy to forget about the items on your shopping list and buy things that aren't healthy (or affordable).
Eat healthier on a budget
● Buy fruits and vegetables in season. You'll get more bang for your buck since they're at their peak flavor.
● Buy frozen fruit or veggies when they're out of season, too! They're just as good as fresh produce, but much cheaper
● Keep a list of what you need, and check it twice. Before leaving the house, make sure you have your shopping list handy so you can refer to it throughout the trip. Write down what's on your list in a notebook or on an electronic device to refer to while standing in line at the grocery store.
It's easier to shop healthily if you plan and make smart choices right from the start!
● Plan ahead.
● Make a list and stick to it.
● Shop the store's perimeter, where you'll find fresh produce, lean meats, fish, and poultry.
● Don't shop when you're hungry or tired; these are prime times for impulse purchases that may not be good for your health (or wallet!).
● If you can't avoid shopping when you're hungry, try to eat a healthy snack before going. It will help keep you from buying things that aren't on your list, saving you money in the long run.
Conclusion
The best way to shop healthily is by being prepared. You can do this by creating a list ahead of time, sticking with it, and not letting yourself get distracted by tempting items on the grocery store shelves. Also, remember that shopping when you're hungry or tired makes it much harder to resist temptation!
