It is very tempting to stock up on junk food in the grocery stores when surrounded by aisles of attractive-looking, gorgeously packed unhealthy food. These are foods with hardly any nutritional value.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you come home with more healthy food and less junk!
Plan ahead: It is easy to get lost in that big store with no plan. You can’t buy the right ingredients for your meals if you don’t have a meal plan. And you surely don’t want to be making frequent trips to get them.
So, have an ingredient list ready for the weekly meals. That way, you won’t have an excuse for not cooking your pasta. And more importantly, try and stick to those specific aisles.
Go seasonal: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are more likely to be organic. They taste better, are stocked up well, and are cheaper. It’s a total win-win.
In the mood to splurge, go ahead: Maybe you always budget shop, but this week is special, and you’ve got some extra money to splurge. Start with the fresh produce section, buy some organic fruits and nuts, and get those exotic spices to take your cooking to the next level. That way, you won’t have a lot of cash to spend on cookie treats and deep-fried chips.
Consider the food pyramid: Memorize the pyramid well. It is a huge help. When shopping, start buying the most recommended ingredients first. Gradually move on to the other food groups. And ensure that you get items from all the sections to get complete nutrition.
Explore your neighborhood: Try some local farmer’s markets. They are so fun. They have fresher produce, no distractions, and grocery shopping will be more exciting than ever.
DO NOT GO SHOPPING WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY: One of the most overlooked tips, yet an essential one. You almost always tend to overshop if you feel hungry while shopping. You’ll be tempted to buy anything and everything. So make sure you eat a small pre-shopping meal, and you’re good to face that stash of junk!
