Grocery Shopping Tips

What you buy at the grocery store can either set you up for success or failure when you're trying to lose weight. Use the following tips to make healthier choices when you're grocery shopping.

Be Prepared

• Make a list and stick to it.

• Keep a list on your fridge or on your phone - when something is finished, write it down so you don't forget to buy it.

• Plan your week out ahead of time, make a meal plan and shop accordingly.

• Don't buy items that are not on your list

Don't Grocery Shop Hungry

• You should never grocery shop when you're hungry!

• Eat a well-balanced meal before you go shopping and bring a healthy snack in case you feel the need to eat

• Shopping on an empty stomach can lead you to make impulsive purchases.

Stick to the Perimeter

• Shop the perimeter of the store - fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, etc.

• Only go down the isles to get staple pantry items that are on your shopping list

Don't Buy Junk Food

• If you buy junk food, you will eat it.

• This doesn't mean that you can never eat junk food, but if you're sitting on the couch watching TV in the evening and you have three bags of chips and a bag of chocolate covered almonds in your pantry, it's highly likely that you will eat them.

Consider Convenience

• Buy pre-washed/sliced vegetables. For example: sliced mushrooms, pre-washed lettuce/spinach in a box or bag, coleslaw, etc.

Using the above strategies when grocery shopping can help you limit the number of times you go to the grocery store every week and it can also help you stay on track when it comes to losing your belly fat.