8 Tips for Healthy Grocery Shopping

Sometimes the grocery store can be overwhelming to staying on track with getting only "the right foods" and not slipping up getting yummy cookies and ice cream. I have found that by following these easy and simple tips it really can make a difference in how healthy the food you end up with in your cart and taking home.

1. Learn to read labels. (Learn how to in THIS POST rule #4) If you can't pronounce something, is that really something you want to put in your body?

2. Buy organic, preservative free, chemical free, non High Fructose Corn Syrup as much as possible.  The chemicals in these foods are a huge contributor to diseases, ADHD, allergies and serious neurological disorders. I know these foods can be more expensive so maybe just start buy getting some of your produce organic rather than none at all.

3. Know before you go. Make a detailed grocery list BEFORE you go to the store. Plan your weekly meals and only buy for your weekly meals.  This will help you avoid buying things you don really want or need.

4. Always go grocery shopping on a full stomach, this will help you to stick to your list.

5. There are 3 aisles that you avoid at the store:
- soda aisle. Water is the best and it's calorie free!
-chips and cookies. Find another alternative when you get the munchies. (Ex: yogurt and fruit)
-Packaged meats.  Get your meat directly from the butcher block and deli

6. Start you shopping in the produce section.  Did you now that kids need 4 servings of fruits and 2 servings of vegetables daily? That's 49 servings of fruits and vegetables a week. Do you shop accordingly?

7. There is usually a healthy substitute for some of our favorites.  For example, instead of white bread, buy 100% whole grain bread.  Buy organic milk, substitute whole-wheat noodles or brown rice noodles.

8. Use coupons with caution. Is the coupon for something that is going to help or hinder your progress?