Grocery shopping may not be fun, but we all have to do it. Choosing the right foods can be very difficult given all of the tempting treats we see while we are in the store. The average shopper makes several decisions in each aisle of the supermarket, adding to the stress of shopping, which leads to most people buying unhealthy foods to comfort themselves. To keep you on track in the grocery store and out of the cookies aisle, here are a few helpful tips to try.
Make sure that you eat before you go grocery shopping to avoid buying junk food. Nothing lowers your willpower more than being hungry and then presented with tasty junk food. Keep a snack in your car for emergencies like this or eat a meal before you go grocery shopping to avoid this pitfall.
Choose food items canned in water as opposed to oil or sweet syrup.
Stay away from food items that contain hydrogenated fat. Even when partially hydrogenated, this is a very unhealthy form of fat that is causing major health concerns. Stick to cold pressed oils or even better, fresh foods that are naturally high in fat such as seeds, nuts and avocados.
If you, like many Americans nowadays, are avoiding dairy products, make sure that you get enough calcium in your diet by buying calcium fortified orange juice or take a calcium supplement. Dark leafy greens are naturally high in calcium and are usually inexpensive, making them a great source of calcium as well.
Eat cantaloupe for breakfast. Cantaloupes are very low in calories but very high in vitamin c and beta carotene. Eat the cantaloupe alone to prevent forming gas.
If you stick to these principals, you will be well on your way to eating healthier and sticking to your list. Find hope in the fact that there are many delicious and beautiful healthy foods in grocery stores, all you have to do is look past the piles of junk food.
If you require assistance getting food for yourself or your family and are earning a low income, you might qualify for Montana food stamps, Nebraska food stamps, or SNAP benefits from a different U.S. state that you reside in.