Navigating the Grocery Store: How to Make Healthy Choices in Every Aisle
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Navigating the grocery store can be an overwhelming experience, with countless aisles stocked with a variety of products. It's easy to feel lost or confused about which foods to choose to support a healthy lifestyle and reach your goals. However, with a little knowledge and a strategic approach, you can make informed choices that will benefit your overall health and well-being.
To help you out, here are 8 points to consider to allow your food shopping to be a more successful and enjoyable experience!
Start with a Plan: Before heading to the grocery store, take some time to plan your meals and create a shopping list. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases or foods that you don’t need and could go to waste. When you’e planning, aim to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your list to ensure a well-balanced diet. I totally get that this can be an annoying part of the food shopping process, but it will save you time and money in the long run!
If it would be helpful, here’s a blank week meal planning sheet that you can screenshot or save and use!
And, if you need an example of a plan to get your mind thinking or to use as inspiration, here’s one to check out:
Note, though, that this is note a one-size-fits-all plan and this is just meant to be an example!
Shop the Perimeter: One of the best strategies for grocery shopping is to focus on the perimeter of the store. This is where you'll find fresh produce, dairy products, lean meats, and seafood. The perimeter typically offers the most nutritious, whole, and minimally processed options. Yes, there are absolutely healthy foods we can get in the aisles, too, but starting with the outside of the store can be helpful!
Fill Your Cart with Color: As you navigate the produce section, aim to fill your cart with a rainbow of colors. Different colors in fruits and vegetables represent different nutrients and antioxidants. Opt for a variety of leafy greens, vibrant berries, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, and more. Remember, the more colors on your plate, the more diverse the range of nutrients you'll consume.
Read Food Labels: When venturing into the inner aisles of the store, take the time to read food labels. Look for products with fewer added sugars, artificial ingredients, and excessive sodium. Focus on finding higher protein options or whole grain products, and be mindful of portion sizes. If it’s relevant, be mindful of calorie totals, too!
Choose Healthy Fats: Don't shy away from fats altogether. Fats don’t make you fat. Instead, make conscious choices and opt for healthy fats. Look for sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These provide essential fatty acids and are beneficial for heart health.
Be Wary of Marketing Claims: Food packaging often boasts various health claims, such as "low-fat," “high protein,” "natural," or "organic." While some claims can be valid, it's important to read beyond the marketing and check the actual ingredient list and nutrition facts. For example, something can be labelled high protein when it simply has a few grams more than it’s counterparts, not that it’s high protein as far as protein intake goes.
Limit Highly-Processed or Calorie-Dense Foods: While it's not necessary to completely eliminate these kinds foods, as all foods fit, it can be wise to moderate their intake. Processed foods are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. If you do opt to buy these, make sure they’re foods that you can manage the intake of when they’re at your house and that you won’t eat the whole package in one sitting, for example. Or, consider portioning out serving sizes once you get home so you know how much you’re having when you eat them.
Don't Shop on an Empty Stomach: Shopping while hungry can lead to impulse purchases and less healthy choices. I know this from personal experience! Eat a balanced meal or snack before heading to the store to help maintain control and make more thoughtful decisions. That, and stick to your list!
By approaching grocery shopping with a plan, focusing on whole foods, reading labels, and being mindful of marketing claims, you can make healthier choices in every aisle. Remember, small changes in your shopping habits can add up to significant improvements in your overall nutrition and well-being. As I always say, better is better!
Do you have other tips for food shopping?? Share in the comments or send me an email at sara@nutritionforlifeproject.com!
As always, thank you for reading!
xoxo,
Sara