Getting Real With Shadra Bruce
1. Shop the perimeter. All the good-for-you stuff is around the outside of the store. From fruits and veggies to dairy and lean protein, there’s really nothing you need from the inner aisles.
2. Eat before you shop. If you shop on a full stomach, you’ll be less likely to indulge in something you’re being driven to buy because you’re hungry.
3. If you do enter the lion’s den (the center aisles) READ THE LABELS. Don’t rely on package marketing to tell you what you need to know. They just want to sell their stuff, not make you healthy. Read the labels. Don’t buy:
- Anything with trans fats
- Anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
- Anything with high fructose corn syrup
- Anything with high sodium
- Anything with more sugar grams than protein grams
4. Shop with a list. It’s really easy to be tempted by tasty displays or those REALLY BAD 100 calorie snacks. Make a list before you go and stick to it. Make sure your list has your favorite superfoods and healthy comfort foods. Plan your meals ahead of time so that you can buy the ingredients you need.
5. Make sure you buy organic where it counts – on the “Dirty Dozen” where pesticide residue is most likely.
6. Choose healthy fats, low-fat dairy, and lean protein like skinless chicken breast and fish.
BONUS TIP: Whenever possible, skip the grocery store altogether and visit your local CSA or Farmer’s Market!
What tips can you add to this list?
Going to the grocery store can be like entering a battle zone. You need to be prepared to fight your temptations and stick to your meal plan. Good luck!
