It's easy to go to the grocery store, venture down every aisle and pick up food items here and there. But, most of the time, that doesn't always result in healthy choices. Instead, try these simple tips next time you go to the store to make sure you're picking the best foods.
Be mindful of what you bring in your home.
When you're grocery shopping be aware of food that nourishes your body and mind and food that, well, doesn't. If you think about foods you will need to eat for your health, then you'll pick all the right foods. Plus, if you don't bring the unhealthy food in your house, you won't be tempted by it whenever you have the late night munchies.
Pick your fiber carefully.
Not all fiber is the same. You want to get your fiber from naturally occurring fiber that's in grains and produce. Don't believe every word a box label may try to tell you. Stick to what you know is good fiber.
Keep your cart colorful.
Of course this doesn't mean a red box of Cheez-It's and a blue box of Oreos. Get a colorful cart by adding bananas, apples, fresh greens and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. They are not only rich in color but nutrients, as well.
Make sure you pick up a wide variety of foods.
While it may be easier to go in and grab chicken and vegetables, make sure to grab a variety of other healthy foods as well. Pick foods you can use to create healthy meals. This way you won't get bored eating the same thing every day.
Stick to grass-fed beef.
Grass-fed beef has lower fat, and the fat it does have contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids. When you are buying grass-fed beef, make sure to read the labels. The label should read "100 percent grass-fed" or "grass-finished" to ensure the animal hasn't been fed any grain.
Keep a running grocery list.
Keep a grocery list on a pad of paper or your phone so you always have it handy when you think of something you need through out the week. If you run out of apples during the week, make a note to buy more. Also make sure to check your fridge and pantry for things you need or items you can pair with other foods.
Always keep your kitchen stocked with the staples.
Whether you consider pasta or tuna a staple, always keep what you eat the most on hand. If you keep your pantry well stocked with these staples, you'll always have food you love and won't find yourself running for fast food whenever you get hungry.
If you have the space, always have a back up supply.
If you have the room in your pantry, a back up supply of staples is always a good idea! This way you definitely won't run out of what you need most.
Plan a week’s worth of meals before going to the grocery store.
Most people avoid this step, but it will do wonders for your list. Create a weekly menu and create your grocery list off those meals. Then you can add in other snacks like yogurt, fruit and salads here and there. Most of the stress and unhealthy eating habits come from coming home and not knowing what to make or not having anything. With a plan, it's easy to pick healthy food choices.
Keep to the perimeter of the grocery store.
The perimeter of the store is where most of the dairy, produce and meats are found. And all the junk tends to land right in the middle. Keep to the edges of the store for your healthiest foods.
Always have a little snack before shopping. Your tummy and grocery cart will thank you.
You've probably heard this one before, but it's not a good idea to go shopping hungry. If you eat a healthy snack before heading to the store it is easier to stick to your list and not let your growling stomach do the shopping for you.
Steer clear of the candy aisle.
Seriously avoid the candy aisle like it's the plague. Once you step foot down this aisle, you won't come out alive. Well, maybe you will, but not after packing bags of candy into your cart. As the saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind." If you don't go down the aisle, you won't be tempted to buy any candy.
Always go in with a plan.
When making your grocery list, map out your store in your head. Make your list according to the map and what you need. You'll save on time because you won't be left wandering random aisles looking for what you need.
Stick to your list.
It's easy to find yourself with a cart full of junk food when you go in without a list. Having a list will not only save you money, but it will help you remember what you really need and will also help you to avoid what you really don't need.
Ditch old food.
Before you put any new groceries away, clean out your fridge. Ditch all the food in there that is expired or you know you won't eat. If you have a ton of vegetables that are about to go bad, make a soup that night!
