10 Healthy Shopping Tips to Keep You on Track with Your Weight Loss Goals
Shopping is an essential part of losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Most people make the mistake of thinking that only the actual consuming of food will have an impact on their weight loss goals, but how you shop is just as important.
Making smart choices while grocery shopping can keep you on track and ensure your weight loss goals remain achievable. Here are ten healthy shopping tips to keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
- Plan ahead and make a list: Before heading out to the grocery store, take some time to plan your meals for the week and make a list of the items you’ll need. This will help prevent impulsive purchases and ensure that you’re only buying what you need to create healthy meals.
- Shop the perimeter: The perimeter of the grocery store is where you’ll find the fresh produce, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Start your shopping trip here to ensure you’re selecting nutritious foods.
- Read nutrition labels: Take the time to read nutrition labels to understand the ingredients and nutritional value when shopping for packaged foods. Pay attention to the serving size and calories, fat, sugar, and carbohydrate content. Opt for foods with fewer calories, less fat, and reduced sugar content.
- Look for sales on fruits and vegetables: Eating more fruits and vegetables can help support your weight loss goals. Look for sales or choose seasonal produce, as this may be a less expensive option. Also, consider frozen fruits and vegetables as an alternative when fresh produce is not available.
- Include protein in your cart: Protein is essential for weight loss because it supports muscle growth and helps reduce hunger. Include protein sources like lean meats, fish, tofu, nuts, beans, and low-fat dairy products in your cart.
- Avoid the junk-food aisle: Avoid the junk-food aisle altogether. Oreos, chips, and candy may not be as tempting if you don’t see them. Better yet, go shopping when you are already full.
- Go with a shopping buddy: Having a shopping partner not only keeps the shopping experience social, but it helps keep you accountable. A shopping buddy can help steer you away from the snack section and can also offer helpful meal ideas.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water before, during, and after shopping can help you feel fuller, reducing the temptation to grab unhealthy snacks. A bottle of water can also help you stay on track of drinking sufficient H2O throughout the day.
- Avoid sugary drinks: Soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks have high sugar content and can add hundreds of calories to your day. Skip these and choose water, green tea, or sparkling water instead.
- Use reusable bags: Using reusable bags is not just good for the environment but using them can also help you control your portions. Opt for smaller bags for single-serving items, and similarly, larger bags for produce or meat that will be divided up and used in multiple meals.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy weight means not only being mindful of what you eat but how you shop. Following these ten tips can help keep you on the right track with your weight loss goals while ensuring a healthy lifestyle.
Plan ahead, read nutrition labels, shop the perimeter, and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein in your diet. Partnering with a friend, drinking plenty of water, and choosing the right bag options can also help you avoid temptation and maintain a healthy shopping experience.
Give your day-to-day routine a boost with our Trim And Tone EMS Red Light Belt, designed to rev your metabolism and kick-start your workout journey.