Want to Eat Healthier? Shop Healthier!
If you keep meaning to eat healthier but find yourself falling back on the same old unhealthy favorites, your problem may not just be your diet. It may be your shopping habits are tripping up your efforts.
When you plan your next shopping trip, try some of these tips to shop healthier.
Plan Ahead
Before you go grocery shopping, make a list– and make sure you stick to it. Also, make sure you eat so you don’t shop hungry. These pro-active tactics will help cut down on impulse buys, which are almost never good.
Read Labels
Reading labels is an art form worth learning. Do you know how much fats or carbs you should have in a serving? Whether hydrogenated oils are good for you? If your whole wheat bread has hidden white flour? Learn what to look for on labels and be an informed shopper.
Opt for Plain
Whenever it comes to choosing between flavored or plain, sticking to plain will usually cut out a lot of unnecessary ingredients. Those ingredients would usually just boost categories. Grab the plain yogurt or plain cereals– then jazz them up at home by adding fresh fruit. Grab the frozen bags of plain veggies– then season them with spices and lemon juice for flavor.
Stock Up on Staples
Keep healthy staples in the pantry that are versatile and help you make a quick meal. Brown rice, canned vegetables, and beans, low sodium broths, etc. can help you make a quick meal in a pinch. You’ll be less tempted to eat out or grab something at the drive-through and save yourself the calories.
Remember— how you eat all starts at the grocery store. The better you plan and execute your shopping trip, the easier it will be to stick to your healthy meal plan.
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