Tips for Keeping Your Grocery Trip Healthy
By Genevieve Cunningham
One of the hardest parts about staying healthy is buying the right foods. Whether we're in a hurry and decide to run through a drive-thru, or we're speeding through the grocery store grabbing whatever we can find, it's absolutely imperative that we choose wisely. But how? How do we change our habits -- especially our grocery shopping habits -- to end the junk and start buying quality food? If you need some tips to turn your grocery experience around for the better, take a look at these easy tips.
Eat Before You Go
You've probably heard the advice of never shopping while hungry, and it's absolutely true. If you eat before you go, you'll avoid a lot of impulse buying. You'll suffer less cravings as you peruse the aisles. Go shopping right after a meal or eat a quick snack before you leave to keep your mind (and stomach!) on task.
Make a List (and Stick to It!)
Don't go to the store empty-handed. If you don't have a plan, you're more likely to fall back on what you know -- which may or may not be the healthiest choice. Take your time making a list full of healthy and nutritious foods, and then stick with it. A plan can help you stay on a healthier track instead of buying on a whim.
Avoid Problem Spots
If you know you're prone to reach for the donuts, don't go down the aisle. Are chips your weak spot? Don't even step foot near them. While this can't always be avoided, it can be helpful to avoid as many of your unhealthy favorites as possible. If you don't see them, you won't buy them. While you're making a grocery list, plan it in a way that helps you avoid the bad, and takes you near the healthier choices instead.
Grocery shopping is a tricky thing. We often do it in the way we've been taught. We shop the way our parents or caregivers shopped. And if you didn't grow up as healthy as you would have liked, this can actually be a problem for your future goals. Use these tips to get a new handle on your grocery shopping experience, and you can improve your overall health in no time at all.
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