When you’re trying to lose weight, the local supermarket can be your best friend or worst enemy. Since there’s no way for you to stop eating or to stop grocery shopping, it’s a very good idea to learn the right tips and tricks to make sure your supermarket will be a friend rather than a foe.
Use the following techniques to turn your supermarket into a weight loss buddy, despite the fact that it has been designed to encourage you to buy as many weight loss unfriendly products as possible. It can be done!
Keep to the perimeter of the store
The outer edges of grocery stores are where you will find nearly all the whole foods. Your fresh produce, dairy, eggs, seafood, poultry and meat are all around the outer borders of the store. The inner aisles contain all the shelf stable and packaged foods. Try to spend as little time in those aisles as possible. Have a purpose as you head down the aisles – for example, know that you’re there for the brown rice, black beans and steel cut oats – and walk directly to those items instead of strolling along and looking at what else is available.
Eat before you shop
When you’re hungry, food is exceptionally tempting. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you have far less self control when it comes to purchasing foods when you’re hungry than you do when you’re already satisfied. Don’t let your hunger pangs add foods to your shopping list. Fill your tummy first and keep a rational mind as you shop.
Make a list
Plan your meals for the upcoming list, check your fridge and cupboards for what you already have and make a list based on what you actually need to lose weight and get healthy. It might take an extra few minutes every week, but overall it will save you a lot of time and money. You won’t need to decide on what to have every night. You’ll already know – and you’ll have what you need to make it, too. Moreover, you’re far less likely to have to throw out food that has spoiled before you were able to eat it because you purchased it for a purpose.
Shop at the right store
If your current store stocks far more processed and junk foods than fresh and healthy options, consider changing your store. Choose a market that focuses on the foods you feel are the most important to your health and goals. You’ll already be saving money by planning your meals. Use that money wisely by purchasing the best and most nutritious ingredients you can. It will mean that even though you’re eating light, your foods will be highly flavorful.