Tips for Grocery Shopping if You Want to Lose Weight

How to Grocery Shop for Weight Loss

I like to think that the success or failure of a weight loss plan is largely determined in the check out lane of the grocery store. How you grocery shop and what you buy have a direct impact on your eating habits after you get home. Here are some helpful tips to get you on the right track for weight loss success!

Tip #1: Never Shop Hungry

Shopping on a empty stomach is the worst decision you can make. Hunger can will take control of the brain and get in the way of healthy decision making. Don't let hunger determine what ends up in your cart. What goes in your cart will go in your pantry and from there it will just end up in your stomach! If you are planning a grocery trip make sure to do so after a meal or at least have a quick and healthy snack before you head out!

Related: 6 Weeks to a Flat Belly​

Tip #2: Make A List

Plan ahead, your list is your strategy once you step foot in the store. Without one you'll just walk around aimlessly, end up with things you don't need and most likely forget some things that you really did need. You should plan what meals you are going to make for the week ahead. Take a look and see what ingredients you already have and what's still needed.

To make your grocery trip even more efficient organize your list by food category. This will save you from zig-zagging through the store and returning the same area twice.

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Tip #3: Refill the Basics

There are some items that we should always have on hand when eating healthy. You should make a list of healthy dry goods that you want to always have in stock and add to your grocery list accordingly. Here is a quick list of healthy dry good pantry items:

• Whole Grains (rice, oats)
• Whole Wheat Pasta
• Water-Packed Tuna
• Canned Tomatos
• Vinegar
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Nuts

• Whole Wheat Flour
• Sea Salt/ Pepper
• Dried Spices
• Chicken or Veggie Broth
• Honey
• Onions

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Tip #4. Avoid the Middle

Avoiding the middle of the store and shopping the perimeter is a winner strategy. Think about whats along the main walls of the grocery store. This is where you will find all the real food. ​We have the produce, meats, fish, and dairy. Stick to these sections. Avoid the middle of the store which is where you will find the artificial/processed foods, soda, chips, candy, etc.

Remember that what ends up in your shopping cart will end up in your stomach. So have a snack, make a list and hit the grocery store with a weight loss shopping strategy! ​

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