3 Tips for Healthy Shopping
By Genevieve Cunningham
Part of living a healthy life is eating a healthy diet. And part of eating a healthy diet is learning how to grocery shop for healthy foods. You would think that shopping would be the easy part, but most of us haven’t had much practice. We know how to shop … but buying healthy foods for healthy meals? We haven’t made that a priority yet. It’s something we have to learn and practice. But where do we start? If you’re interested in improving your grocery shopping habits so that you can improve your life, take a look at these tips.
Make a List
Don’t go to the store without a list prepared. You’ll want to plan healthy meals, and then determine what foods are in each meal. This allows you to go directly to your product, put it in the basket, and avoid some of the temptation foods along the way. It may also keep you from getting intimidated and buying your old regular foods. The more prepared you are, the easier it is to stick to your healthy eating plan.
Start on the Perimeters
In most grocery stores, the perimeters contains all of the good things. Fruit, veggies, meats, and even dairy are generally along the perimeter of the store. Go there first. The middle of the store is where more of the junk food will be located. Chips, breads, candy, packaged cereal. If you can, avoid this section of the store. And if you have to get something from an aisle in the middle, go directly to your location, and then move on.
Don't Impulse Buy
Impulse buying is the worst. This applies to the quick grab items at the front -- hello, candybars! -- and also to that health food that caught your eye. When we buy things on impulse, we’re less likely to use them. If something really catches your eye, write it down, go home, and research it. Find out if it’s something you would really use. Then go back and get it next time. If you can at all stand it, avoid impulse buying, and your basket is likely to stay healthier all the way around.
Healthy shopping is a learned process. It might take some time and practice, but once you get it down, it will be more than worth it. Use these tips to help you get started, and enjoy your healthy new menu for years into the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Van Nuys, Calif.