When you’ve had a long, tough day at work or you’ve planned a weekend filled with back-to-back fun, the thought of making time to shop for groceries can be frustrating! Many people report that grocery shopping is a chore they dread or simply put off, for reasons ranging anywhere from high-priced items and long crowds to busy schedules and impulse purchasing.
Change Your Approach to Grocery Shopping
What if we told you there was a way to make grocery shopping easy, quick and painless? Or that each trip to the supermarket can give you a completely new experience? It’s possible! If you plan out the right strategies and stick to the guidelines you’ve laid out, shopping for your groceries can be a breeze. And, you may even find it to be fun!
Here are some tips for making the most out of your next grocery run:
- Change your attitude – Instead of groaning while you park the car and enter the store, think of this “chore” as getting one step closer to a healthier you! After all, smart food choices play a crucial role in weight management.
- Buy the right items – A common strategy is to shop the perimeter of the store. Ensure you’re buying the food basics such as produce, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and whole grain cereals and breads. For tips on shopping for all of the food groups on your next grocery visit, click here.
- Plan ahead – Well in advance of your grocery visit, try to plan the day and time you want to go. Remember, supermarkets are high in traffic on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. Then, look through the items you already have to determine exactly what you want to buy, and make a list of those things to take with you.
- Look for deals – Shopping with coupons or when items are on sale will save you more money in the long run than you think! Stock up on the things you know you’ll use, and even try building some of your meals for the week off of those sales.
- Stick to your list – Try to focus only on the list of items you’ve made it a priority to buy. This will make it easier to prevent any impulse buying, which could lead to unhealthy choices later on.
- Look at the big picture – Don’t just shop for the things you think will taste good and make healthy meals. Think big! Consider buying those items in bulk which you know you use a lot of. Plan for emergency meals and meals for those days you’re low on time, and read the ingredients on each item to ensure you’re buying healthy options. Also, load up on food staples when you see that they’re on sale!
Want More Tips for Shopping Smart on Your Next Grocery Visit?
For more ideas and strategies to make grocery shopping healthy and easy, click here to read the full article from Your Weight Matters Magazine!
