Grocery shopping can be super easy. You just have to know what to buy, where to avoid, and when to pick your battles.
I personally love Trader Joe's as it's not expensive, they have organic foods, and they have everything you really need.
Above is a picture of a weeks worth of groceries give or take some items. (Things missing because I already had them: chicken breasts, peach & mango salsa, onions, yams, eggs).
1. AVOID THE MIDDLE ISLES!
There is a method to grocery shopping, and that is to avoid the middle isles.
The outside perimeter is where the refrigerated sections are, which means the food is alive with healthy properties. The middle isles hold dry, processed, frozen and highly unhealthy foods.
Yes, you can go into the middle for things like power bars, nuts, etc, but you must make sure you are going for the healthier options when inside the danger zone.
2. PICK YOUR BATTLES
I know some people will say I should not have cold-cuts, Builder's Bars, and chips, but the thing is these are my go-to quick snacks and meals when I am in a bind for time, or have a craving.
Ultimately these options that I have chosen are much better then going to McDonalds, having a ton of red meat, or downing a full cake.
3. SHOP VIBRANTLY
Always try to have an array of bright colors as your main items, and let the dull, less vibrant foods be minimal side snacks.
Things like carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, apples, yams, spinach, etc are super high in vitamins and nutritional properties, and can be very filling.
4. HAVE A LIST
It is so easy to get lost in the supermarket thats why all professionals will say go in with a list. It keeps you on track, stops you from getting distracted, and makes the overall process way faster.
5. SHOP ON A FULL STOMACH
You are way more likely to start buying things you do not need when you are hungry. Everything starts to sound even tastier, and you end up walking out with a lot of items you did not need.
By being full your body is not searching for food, and your mind can think a lot clearer.
6. FRESHNESS COUNTS
Find out when your local supermarket gets its main deliveries, so you can hopefully get the freshest produce and meats.
Additionally, you want to check expiration dates, so that you do not get home and the find that the food has already spoiled, or that it will go bad in two days.
7. BUDGET WISELY
When you give yourself a budget in terms of groceries, you are far more likely to stay on track and make the smarter option.
Fruits and vegetables tend to cost less than the garbage snacks, and you can get more of them for the same price that you would be paying for one of the unhealthier options.
All my food ended up costing me $74.62, which is nothing if you consider how you will be able to split up the food through the week.
8. TRY SOMETHING NEW
Allow yourself to buy one item a week that you haven't tried before. This is a great way to be adventurous, and possibly find a healthy food that you love, but had never tasted before.
9. IF YOU DON'T BUY IT, YOU CANT EAT IT
While you may be tempted by certain foods you know you shouldn't have, once you are out of the supermarket they are no longer an option.
By sticking to your list, you are setting up your home to be your friend, not your foe. It becomes easier to make the smarter decision, and before you know it, you don't even realize that the junk is missing.
10. MODERATION TRULY IS KEY
We've all heard this before, but thats because it's true. By moderating the foods you are eating, you are not depriving yourself from anything.
Yes, there are simply foods you just don't need. Whether it is binging on unhealthy or healthy foods, binging is still binging, and not helping you through the process.
If you know you will consume a whole bag of almonds in a sitting then you should not buy the big bag of almonds. It's that easy.
11. STOP STRESSING
Whether you're a health freak, or just finding your healthier side, be gentle through the process. Everyone started somewhere, and by allowing your feelings to come and go, you are allowing yourself the opportunity to change.
Remember when it comes to your health it can never be about a trend, it must become a lifestyle.
You have the tools, so now it's time to implement them. Baby steps in the beginning, and then bigger jumps as you go.
Good luck!
Please leave any questions or comments down below!
