Grocery shopping is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. After all, it’s important to plan and be mindful of what you’re purchasing to ensure that you eat a balanced and nutritious diet. However, it’s tough to stick to healthy eating habits despite your dietitian‘s advice when surrounded by so much unhealthy food in the grocery store.
That’s why it’s even more important to have the right knowledge and skills to make smart grocery shopping decisions if you’re trying to lose weight. Here are some suggestions to help make your grocery shopping trips more successful and help you reach your weight loss goals.
Never Shop on an Empty Stomach
Shopping on an empty stomach can be an unhealthy habit. Dietitians and nutritionists always recommend that you never shop for groceries on an empty stomach. This is because shopping on an empty stomach can lead to buying items that are unhealthy for you or that you don’t need.
For these reasons, it’s best always to make sure you’re shopping for groceries with a full stomach. This will help you to make healthier decisions and avoid impulse buys. It’s also a good idea to make a grocery list before you go shopping so that you can stick to the items you need and avoid items that you don’t need.
Do Most of the Shopping Around the Perimeter of the Store
Although you still need to go to the middle aisles for some items, it’s best to do most of your shopping around the store’s perimeter. Most healthier items are usually located around the store’s perimeter. This includes fresh produce, dairy, and lean proteins. Doing most of your shopping around the perimeter will help you avoid the processed and unhealthy items in the middle aisles.
Get in the Habit of Reading Ingredients
Dietitians always advise people to check the ingredients behind the products they buy when grocery shopping. This is because the ingredients list will tell you exactly what’s in the product and whether it’s healthy.
When you’re looking at the ingredients list, take note of any unfamiliar words or ingredients that you don’t recognize. If multiple ingredients are listed, try to identify the most prominent ones. If the list contains many unfamiliar words or ingredients that sound artificial, it’s likely that the food item is highly processed and may not be the healthiest option.
For example, if the first three elements are sugar, trans fat, and artificial flavorings, then you know it’s not a healthy product and should avoid it. On the other hand, if the first three ingredients are whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, then you know it’s a healthy product and should buy it.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is ideal for saving money and time when grocery shopping. This is because you can buy large quantities of products at a discounted price. Plus, it saves you from shopping multiple times throughout the month. Just make sure only to buy items you know you’ll use and will go smoothly quickly.
Final Thoughts on Grocery Shopping for Weight Loss
Grocery shopping for weight loss requires a bit of planning and discipline. Incorporating these tips into your shopping routine will help you achieve your weight loss goals. With proper grocery shopping, you can make smarter food choices and enjoy healthier meals, ultimately helping you reach your ideal weight.
Weigh to Wellness provides a weight-loss program overseen by dietitians in Birmingham, AL. We ensure our clients receive personalized coaching and support to help them reach their goals. Contact us today to get started on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.