15 Tips to Make Grocery Shopping Easier and Healthier

Do you ever walk into the store determined to buy healthy foods, but end up walking out with all kinds of unhealthy snacks? Grocery shopping is one of the most common chores and we are often influenced by our surroundings. But fear not! Here are 15 tips to make grocery shopping easier and healthier:

Tip 1: Shop the Right Aisles

To eat healthy, start by buying food from the fruit and vegetable aisle. Try to avoid the aisles with unhealthy and processed foods. If you don’t see unhealthy options, you are less likely to crave them. Focus on the fresh food aisles.

Tip 2: Eat Before You Shop

One of the most important things to remember when shopping is not to do it on an empty stomach. Shopping while hungry causes you to take longer and buy more non-essential products and unhealthy food. Eat a light meal or snack to avoid overindulging.

Tip 3: Eat Apples Before

Studies have shown that people who ate apples before shopping bought about 25% more fruits and vegetables. By eating something healthy before shopping, you are more likely to buy healthier foods in the store.

Tip 4: Make a List

When at home, make a list of what you want to buy. This keeps you focused on what you actually need, avoiding unnecessary food purchases. This helps you buy healthy foods and also saves you time.

Tip 5: Make a Meal Plan

Try to create a daily or weekly meal plan. Planning ahead means you will not overeat or buy unnecessary food, and you’ll be confident in knowing what you want to buy while shopping.

Tip 6: Spend on Convenience

If you want a quick snack, be willing to spend a little more. Buy precut veggies instead of chips, a bottle of water instead of soda. Although it may cost a little more, it will be worth it in terms of health benefits.

Tip 7: Choose the Healthier Option

If you have a choice, always choose the healthier option. Need bread? Go for whole wheat. Need meat? Go for a lean cut without skin. Walk through the frozen section? Stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables. Make the healthier decision and feel better for it.

Tip 8: Read the Labels

If you need something with a wrapper or packaging, always read the labels to choose the best option. Try to go for options that have words you understand and avoid artificial ingredients or high levels of unhealthy substances.

Tip 9: Stay with the Season

Fruits and vegetables in season are not only cheaper but also better to eat, since they haven’t had to be imported. Pick the fruits and vegetables that are grown naturally in your area.

Tip 10: Your Cart is your Plate

When shopping, think of your cart as your plate. An average plate needs to be half filled with fruits and vegetables. Aim to ensure that there are enough fruits and vegetables in your cart to meet the requirements of a healthy diet.

Tip 11: Don’t Let ‘Natural’ or ‘Organic’ Deceive You

Just because the package says ‘organic’, ‘natural’ or ‘healthy’ doesn’t mean it really is. Always check the contents. The people who sell food simply want to make money and don’t always have your best interest at heart. Know what you’re buying and read the ingredients.

Tip 12: Check Sales

Before you leave the house, check what sales the store has. That way you know where you need to go and what to put in your shopping cart, saving time and money.

Tip 13: Odd Timing

Usually, people visit the grocery store after work or on weekends, causing rush hour crowds. Try to avoid the chaos by going at an odd time. You’ll save time and avoid being interrupted by other shoppers.

Tip 14: Stock Up

Stock up on the basics so you won’t have to buy them repeatedly. Make sure you fill your pantry and freezer with the basics to cut down on shopping time next time.

Tip 15: Wear a Watch

If you have a short amount of time to do your shopping, wear a watch. Keeping track of time will help you stay on track and streamline your shopping experience.

Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. Follow these tips to make shopping easier and more enjoyable while avoiding unhealthy food choices.