The grocery store can be a perplexing place when you are trying to eat well. So many pretty packages scream “pick me” and even more of them have claims all over their packaging that its contents are healthy. How is anyone to decide which foods to take home while maintaining health goals. Here is some guidance on how to navigate the grocery store without sabotaging your health goals.
Meal Plan Ahead of Time
Meal planning can feel like a tedious task and maybe even overwhelming at first. But taking the time to do so before heading to the store, can save you a lot of headaches while at the store. Plan each of your meals and snacks for the week and you’ll be able to make a shopping list you can stick to before you go. Meal planning eliminates the need to pick up other items at the grocery store since you will already know exactly what you will be eating for the week. You can plan your healthy meals at home, then shop for only the ingredients you will need. No more getting distracted by processed foods claiming to be healthy and no more overspending at the grocery store. It’s a win-win!
Stick to the Perimeter
The center aisles of the store are typically packed full of processed foods in expensive shiny packages. So when you at the grocery store, focus your shopping on the aisles along the perimeter of the store. You will fill your cart with fresh foods rather than foods made in a factory. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, fresh meats and eggs are all typically along the outer edge of the store. These are the foods you will want to stick with to keep you on track and meet your health goals.
Read Labels
If you are needing to pick up some items that have labels, then be sure to read them. The key here is to focus on the ingredients label found on the back of the package, rather than the front of the package that is used for marketing. The ingredient label will tell you the most important things to know about a product. Look for things like the types of oils the product has, whether it was organically or conventionally grown and what kind/how many whole foods ingredients are included in the product. If the label is riddled with words you cannot pronounce, it’s best to steer clear even if the front of the package makes you think it is good for you.
These are just a few simple things that you can do to help you reach your health goals. Whatever they may be, remember that it is always best to stick to as many whole foods as possible and steer clear of food products that were made in a factory. The best place to make a food “product” is in your own kitchen. So go get those fresh foods and get cooking.
#HappyWholeFooding
