One of the most crucial parts of losing weight and maintaining a good diet is purchasing healthy food. You can’t eat healthy if you buy junk food at the grocery store. That means you have to have a plan when heading there; otherwise, you can fall victim to the allure of yummy, but naughty foods. Here are five tips to help you survive the war zone better known as the grocery store.
- Never shop when you’re hungry.
This is the golden rule of grocery shopping. Nothing will sink your healthy ship faster than walking into the store hungry. Always make sure to go grocery shopping after you’ve eaten a meal or a snack. Otherwise you’ll be tempted to purchase all of the unhealthy, calorie-laden food and will likely throw the shopping list away. If you want to purchase nutritious food, then don’t you dare go in hungry. - Honor the shopping list.
Don’t try to go grocery shopping without a list of items, and don’t deviate from it when you get to the store. If you realize you forgot to write down olive oil, then of course grab it, but don’t grab a package of Oreos on a whim, though. You’ve taken the time to think about the food you’ll be eating, so honor your intentions and follow the list. You’ll be glad you did when you stay within your budget and start seeing results from your healthy eating regime. - Shop the perimeter; avoid the middle.
Grocery stores always place the perishable goods around the perimeter of the store, and that’s where you should shop to find the most healthy, nutritious food. Stick to this area and you’ll be less tempted to purchase packaged foods that are bad for your health. Of course there are certain items that will require you to venture to the middle aisles, like seasonings and cooking oils, but stay strong and focused, avert your eyes if need be, and you’ll make it out without any junk food. - Only bring enough money to purchase the items on your list.
Yes, it’s a little risky. However, bringing exact change leaves no room for extra items, which ensures you have no choice but to get the food on your list and nothing else. If it makes you nervous to do this, bring a specific amount of cash you’re willing to spend as well as your debit card, but only use your card if you’ve slightly gone over the limit. - Don’t dawdle.
When you go to the store, go in with a mission to get in and get out as quickly as possible. Quickly go through the list, select the items you need, and then hightail it out of there. Moseying around to see all of the different foods will only tempt you to buy what you don’t need.
