Healthy eating begins with healthy shopping. Support your Weight Loss Success Program week by week by making sure you stock up on the wholesome foods you need for your meals and snacks. Use the suggestions below to avoid supermarket "diet traps" and help stay on track with your weight loss goals.
Plan the shop and shop the plan
Make a list of the foods you need before you shop and stick closely to it. Don't be tempted by wayward specials that may fall outside of the foods best for your program.
Don't shop hungry
Heed the old adage and be sure to eat before you shop to avoid impulse buying or stocking up on items you may regret later.
Begin in produce
Fill up your shopping cart first in the produce section with lots of vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits. Choose a variety of colors, textures and flavors to add interest to your meals. Be adventurous and go for exotic fruits or vegetables that you may not usually buy.
Avoid the sweet nothings
Everyone has their "aisle of weakness"-whether it's the ice cream, cookies or candy section. Do yourself a favor and avoid temptation by steering clear of the entire area.
Go for individual servings
When buying chicken, fish or meat, get single meal-size servings that you can freeze and use as needed. That way you'll always have good-quality fresh protein on hand and won't be tempted to eat more than your body wants. Similarly, buy fresh vegetables like mini carrots in small packages too. They'll stay fresh and make convenient "on-the-go" snacks. Choose a vegetable snack with a lower glycemic index than carrots such as broccoli.
Avoid the samples
No matter how tempted you may be to try free samples in the market, don't. They are often loaded with unhelpful fats and carbs. If you're hungry while shopping, have a High-Protein, Low-Carb Protein bar instead.
Read labels
Become an avid label reader and scrutinize packaged foods, sauces and dressings before you buy them.
Tantalize your taste buds
Keep your palate happy and your recipes inspired by using fresh herbs like basil, ginger, lemongrass and cilantro. Also, stock up on spices that can transform an ordinary meal into an exotic dish.
Don't feel deprived
Even though there are certain foods you'll want to avoid on your weight loss program, the supermarket is packed with a great variety of health-friendly food items. Don't get stuck in a rut by buying the same things. Use your Weight Loss Success Program as an opportunity to branch out and try something new.
Final Check
Before you go through the check out, ask yourself if there is any item in your shopping cart that you could remove to better support your program. Be honest with yourself and leave behind anything that might slow your progress down. Put yourself and your weight loss goal before all else.
When you shop healthy, half the weight loss battle is already won. In addition, consider clearing your cupboards and fridge of any foods that don't support your program. With only great-tasting nutritious foods around you can cook up a healthy storm and enjoy your meals, snacks and meal-replacements to the fullest! | 