The Supermarket – Is it a weight loss alley or a worst enemy- depends on the way the person does shopping.
When Grocery shopping is done in a strategic way your half work is done.
Strategic grocery shopping involves planning and making thoughtful choices to support your dietary goals and overall well-being
Let’s see steps-by-step strategic guide for grocery shopping
1) Plan the day of the shopping – Plan your day well in advance. This way you can evaluate what all things you need for meal preparation.
2) Planned shopping list – While planning a shopping list, keep the high-nutrition valued items in mind. Organise it by food categories to make shopping more efficient and this way you will avoid unnecessary items.
3) Start from the unprocessed food section – Start your shopping with whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, and legumes. These are nutrient-dense and help in following a balanced diet regime.
4) Choose Lean Proteins – Protein plays a significant role in building and repairing tissues. Plant-based protein sources like tofu, soya beans, nuts, seeds, chickpeas and lentils are great choices. Animal-based protein includes eggs, fish, poultry, lean cuts of meats and other dairy products to reduce saturated fat intake.
5) Try to avoid the processed food section – Opt for sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Try to omit the processed food items section to avoid processed and fried foods shopping.
6) Limit Sugary Beverages – Skip the section on sugary sodas, energy drinks, and excessive fruit juices. Explore herbal tea, natural juices and unsweetened beverages.
7) Incorporate Whole Grains – Include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, and oats in your cart. These provide fiber and essential nutrients.
8) Carefully Read Labels – When purchasing packaged foods, read the nutrition labels. Pay attention to the serving size, calories, and key nutrients like fat, sugar, and sodium. Please note Sugar is sometimes mentioned as sucrose in the ingredients section.
9) Eat Before You Shop: Avoid shopping when hungry, as it can lead to impulsive, less healthy choices. Have a meal or a snack before heading to the store.
Healthy eating habits are established by doing your food shopping strategically. By planning, making informed choices, and being mindful of what you buy, you can support your dietary goals and overall wellness.