Tricks to Healthily Navigate the Grocery Store
A new, healthy lifestyle means adopting new ways of eating, exercising and even approaching your weekly supermarket trip. What used to be a leisurely stroll up-and-down the store’s aisles to peruse sales and the latest temptations is now a mapped-out mission to match your health goals. Dodge those unhealthy food items by following these six tricks to navigate the grocery store.
Plan ahead
Before you hop in your car and head to the store, make a meal plan and a grocery list. Write down your meals for the week and then create a shopping list of the fresh, whole ingredients you’ll need. Stick to your list at the store to avoid wandering aimlessly and getting distracted by impulse buys.
Don’t go hungry
There’s nothing worse than being surrounded by tempting treats at the grocery store when your stomach is growling and then finding yourself buying a slew of unhealthy foods. Don’t let your hungry stomach trick you into purchasing unneeded food items. Before heading to the supermarket, eat a healthy snack, so you won’t be tempted at the store.
Know their tactics
The grocery store knows exactly what they’re doing when they place baked goods and fresh, rotisserie chicken near the entrance. But you’re smarter. Being wise to grocery store marketing tactics will help you healthily navigate your shopping trip.
Shop smart
Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny. Shop smart by checking out weekly deals on healthy foods, signing up for rewards programs and even buying organic, frozen vegetables if you’re in a pinch.
Stay on the perimeter
The grocery store is a maze and if you’re not careful, you’ll get stuck in the labyrinth of processed and high-sodium foods. Rather than peruse every aisle, stick to the outer perimeter of the store where you’ll find the freshest whole ingredients for your meal plan, including dairy, meat and in-season produce.
Order online
Sometimes the grocery store feels like a trap with impulse buys based on flashy packaging and “good deals.” Avoid the hassle and just order what you need online and have it delivered to your front door. Not only will you be more likely to stick to your list, but you’ll save time–so instead, tie up your laces and head to the gym.
To find out more about how you can informed lifestyle and health choices, visit our blog under the ‘Live’ category! You can also learn more about how the Curves Circuit can benefit your lifestyle here.
