Here at ChopChop Family, we understand that the supermarket can be an overwhelming place at times. It can be hard to focus – especially if you go shopping hungry! Sometimes, it can be easy just to grab items instead of shopping consciously. Stores put appealing food (candy, ice cream, sugary cereal) right at childrens’ eye level AND at the checkout area for impulse buys.
Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips for You and Your Family
Here, we’re sharing some tips for selecting healthy items at the grocery store so you can leave with real food that you can use to cook real meals (Because cooking real food with your family is what we believe leads to the healthiest lifestyle possible!).
Do Some Prep Work
Spend a little time now, and you’ll save time (and money) later. Check your refrigerator and pantry before you shop. Make sure you check out what you will still have at home so you don’t buy anything you don’t need.
Come with a Plan and Stick to Your List
Make a shopping list and stick to it. This prevents you from spending more money than you budgeted and making any impulse buys that aren’t so healthy. Make exceptions for deeply discounted pantry basics that you know you’ll use, as well as fruits and vegetables that are on sale.
Understand the Store Layout
Basic foods are arranged around the edges of the supermarket. That means produce (fresh fruits and vegetables), meat and dairy. These are often the healthiest foods because they’re the least processed. They haven’t had salt, sugar, fat or colors added to them. Remember the slogan “Shop the Perimeter” – meaning that if you shop close to the walls of the store, you’ll get the best health value for your food dollars.
Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
There are a lot of tempting things to buy when you’re in a food store. Shopping when you’re not hungry will help you resist the temptation of convenient food and snacks.
Check-out the Frozen Section
Frozen fruits are great to have on-hand for smoothies, and frozen vegetables are great for many dishes, too. They’ll keep longer than fresh produce and are just as good for you. Add frozen fruit to your cart at the end. If you add it just before you check out, it will stay frozen longer.
Check Produce and Sell-by Dates
Look at bagged greens carefully and avoid any that contain brown or slimy leaves. Make sure that apples and pears aren’t bruised. Check that potatoes and onions aren’t sprouting. Also make sure to check sell-by dates. This way, you’ll actually use the healthy food you’re buying and won’t waste money. Look for the package with the latest expiration or “sell-by” date – especially on dairy items. That means it’s fresher and you have more time to use it.
To learn more about ChopChop: The Fun Cooking Magazine for Families and to find recipes (for all that healthy food you bought!), visit www.chopchopmag.org.
