Grocery shopping is something that we all have to do, but it can be quite overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right foods. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which products are good for our health and which ones we should avoid. In this article, we will share some helpful tips to make healthy grocery shopping easier than ever before.
1. Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach
We all know that shopping on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. When we are hungry, everything looks good, and we are more likely to make impulsive buying decisions. That is why it is essential to eat a healthy snack or meal before heading to the grocery store. This way, we will be less tempted to buy unhealthy snacks and junk food.
2. Select canned fruits and tuna that are packed in water, not oil or syrup
Canned fruits and tuna are convenient and affordable, but not all options are created equal. When selecting canned fruits, make sure to choose those that are packed in water or juice, not syrup. This will help reduce the amount of added sugar in your diet. Similarly, when selecting canned tuna, look for options that are packed in water, not oil. This will help reduce your overall fat intake.
3. Look at the labels for the words “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated”
Trans fats are incredibly harmful to our health, and we should try to avoid them as much as possible. When shopping, check the ingredient labels for the words “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated.” These are indications that the product contains trans fats. The earlier these words appear on the list, the higher the amount of trans fats the product contains. So, try to choose products with no trans fats or only trace amounts.
4. Do not buy turkey with the skin on it, and if you plan to buy chicken – buy a chicken breast meal
Turkey and chicken are excellent sources of lean protein, but not all cuts are created equal. When buying turkey, choose skinless options, as the skin is high in saturated fat. Similarly, when buying chicken, opt for chicken breast meat instead of other parts that are higher in fat. If you are buying pre-cooked chicken meals, make sure they use chicken breast meat.
5. When you select frozen dinners, select those that are not only low in fat, but low in sodium and cholesterol as well
Frozen dinners are a quick and easy solution for busy nights, but not all options are created equal. When selecting frozen meals, look for those that are low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol. These nutrients can all have adverse effects on our health when consumed in large quantities, so it is essential to keep them in check.
6. If you are not consuming enough dairy products, go with calcium-fortified orange juice instead
Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, but if you are lactose intolerant or do not consume dairy, you may be missing out on this essential nutrient. Thankfully, many brands offer calcium-fortified orange juice. This is an excellent alternative that provides a similar amount of calcium to a glass of milk.
7. Go for whole grain bread, cereals, and rolls
Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, which is essential for good digestion and overall health. When shopping, look for whole-grain options for bread, cereals, and rolls. These options will keep you feeling full for longer and provide more nutrients than their refined counterparts.
8. Give cantaloupe a try
With just 95 calories, half of the melon will provide more than a day’s supply of Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Cantaloupe is a nutritious fruit, low in calories and very high in vitamins and minerals. Eating cantaloupe can help you meet your daily nutritional requirements and promote good health.
9. Do not be tricked into buying yogurt covered in nuts or raisins
Yogurt-covered nuts and raisins may seem like a healthy snack, but the coating is often made of sugar and partially hydrogenated oils, making it an unhealthy choice.
10. Get some of the low-fat treats, such as pretzels, ginger snaps, and angel food cake
If you have a sweet tooth, there are healthy treats you can enjoy, such as pretzels, ginger snaps, and angel food cake. These treats are low in fat and calories and can be a healthy alternative to high-fat, high-sugar desserts.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to healthier grocery shopping. And remember, there are many different healthy foods at the grocery store – all it takes is the willpower to go past the bad foods and on to the good ones.
So next time you are at the grocery store, do not feel overwhelmed or confused. Instead, arm yourself with these helpful tips and make your shopping experience a success!
