Grocery Store Tips
It is so easy to make good selections in the grocery store, but with all the low priced, easily-accessed packaged foods it's just as easy to get distracted. Here are some suggestions that will help point you in the right direction around the grocery store!
Grocery Shopping on a Budget? Here are some quick tips to get started in a healthy direction.
- Fill your plate with the right nutrients and benefit from healthy weight management, sustained energy, and a feeling of satisfaction from the inside out. ChooseMyPlate.gov has numerous resources to inspired a healthy plate for you and your family.
- The Three P's of Eating on a Budget [PDF]
- Looking for ways to start eating healthier? Decreased Portion Sizes may assist with weight management.
Ideas to Keep in Mind While You're Shopping:
- Make a list and stick to it.
- Know your store, don’t just visit every aisle aimlessly seeking what 'looks good.'
- Take time to build a meal plan before you leave the house, have healthy recipes on hand, enjoy the process of shopping and preparing good food for yourself, family and friends.
- Understand the food label.
- Read labels: Identify items with high trans fat, hydrogenated oils, high amounts of sugar, saturated fat, lots of sodium, cholesterol. Look instead for fiber, good fats, protein, vitamins and calcium.
- Don’t shop when hungry.
- Allow time for shopping, avoid being rushed.
- Plan a weekly menu and buy food accordingly.
- Keep a list on your fridge of items you run out of.
- Buy in bulk when it makes sense.
- Go for whole foods.
- Leave the kiddos at home: They will easily distract from the original list, so try not to take your kids shopping with you if possible.
- Stay on the outside: Try to do the majority of your shopping from the perimeter of the store to get the freshest foods with the best nutrients.
- Take a basket instead of a cart if you are only intending to buy a few items. This cuts down on poor food choices and extra expenses.
