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Your Guide to Healthy Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping is one of the most important aspects of preparation for your weight-loss journey. Knowing how, when and where to shop as well as how to properly navigate the busy store once you are inside are key ingredients to help you prepare for successful weight loss.
These tips will assist you with setting yourself up to achieve results on your SlimGenics Program. Before stocking up on your favorite healthy foods, read these additional tips to grocery shop for success!
Eat Before You Shop
Don’t enter the grocery store while hungry. Hunger may cause you to purchase unhealthy items not because you really wanted them, but because your body told you to satisfy your hunger right then and there. Try to eat a healthy snack or meal beforehand to keep from placing extraneous items into your cart.
Make a List
Have a list with all the items you need and stick to it. Take your time and detail everything you will need for each meal of the week as well as snacks. Bring a copy of your SlimGenics Integrated Food List with you to help with ideas for healthy on-plan choices at the store.
Shop the Perimeter First
The perimeter of the grocery store contains all of the fresh foods, like meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables, dairy and more. You will find less processed options on the perimeter of the store. Processed foods tend to lurk in the center aisles. Be smart—stick to the perimeter and venture to the center aisles only for specific items! Stay away from canned fruits and vegetables, only purchase fresh or fresh frozen.
Map Out Your Trip
While you may have a habit of traveling up and down each aisle, this behavior also gives way to added temptation processed foods like chips, cookies, fat-heavy condiments and more. Kick the habit and know exactly where you are going. It helps to stick to one grocery store that you’re familiar with, so you can have your trip mapped out each time.
Ask Questions
If you can’t find something on your list, don’t be afraid to ask an employee. They are there to aid shoppers in navigating the packed aisles of the grocery store. Instead of leaving without that item, find someone who can help you locate it!
Read (and understand) the Labels
Food labels are essential to smart shopping and healthy eating. Understand what labels mean and how they impact the foods on your plate. By checking the labels, you may also help yourself to say ‘no’ to unhealthy items when you see how much sodium, sugar or fat they contain.
Know When to Splurge and When to Save
Knowing when to spend a little extra is an important practice of clever shoppers. You may want to pay more for organic fruits and vegetables, free-range eggs, organic or grass-fed meat or wild-caught seafood. Decide which splurges are important to you.
Try Something New
Grocery shopping can be an exciting excursion if you keep an open mind and be adventurous. Try a new vegetable or maybe an exotic fruit. Visit your local farmer’s market or a fresh seafood shop and ask for recommendations. Variety is the spice of life and it will help to keep you committed to your program and experiencing consistent weight loss.
Grocery shopping is a wonderful way to prepare for the most successful weight-loss journey possible. With these shopping tips, you can ensure you are sticking to your plan and readying your pantry and refrigerator to help you achieve your weight-loss goals.
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