Smart Grocery Shopping Leads to Healthy Eating
Healthy eating starts at the grocery store by making smart choices. Grocery shopping can be a daunting task and it can feel overwhelming to know what items to buy. Here are some great tips to get you started on the right path.
Make a list. Stick to your list.
Most of what we buy at the store is based on impulse. These purchases tend to be high in calories and fat. The best way to resist these temptations is to make a list. Fill your list with items that are going to help keep you healthy.
A list won’t do any good if you forget to bring it. Put your list in your car or purse so whenever you make that trip to the store you will always have it. Go electronic. Write your list on your phone
Scan the top and bottom shelves of the store.
Companies pay stores lots of money to get their products at eye level. As a result, many products that are healthy but not flashy get pushed up or down on the shelf. Don’t be persuaded by fancy claims and swanky packaging. Read the nutrition label.
Don’t be tricked by the fad claims.
A study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that people may eat up to 50% more calories when a food is labeled low fat. Watch for the claims on the packaging, they over-promote and rarely deliver in the ways that we all wish they did…. a box of crackers with anti-oxidants is not going to be the cure-all for your health.
Use the self-checkout.
Waiting in line not only promotes sedentary behavior it also provides you with additional opportunities to pack in those last-minute snacks, candy bars, soda etc. Besides the occasional banana stand, you are most likely not going to find anything in the front of the check stand that is going to make it easy for you to eat healthy. Your best game plan is to exit as fast as possible! Don’t let those last moments in line ruin your healthy shopping trip.
