Easy and Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips

Have you ever walked into the grocery store overwhelmed and unsure what to buy? You’re not alone; grocery shopping can be overwhelming, but with some small simple tips it can become easy, affordable, and support your health. 

Healthy eating begins on your grocery list. Create your list before getting to the store. Going into the store with a plan can help you stick to your list, buy the foods you need, and reduce food waste. 

Focus on having three to four food items from each food group. This allows you to have variety in the foods you eat each day, reduces boredom and utilizes all the foods you purchased. Each day you can rotate through the different foods purchased at the store that week allowing you to use everything and reduce food waste. 

Fruit and vegetables to add to your grocery list: cucumbers, broccoli, squash, apples, berries, and bananas. 

Protein to add to your grocery list: eggs, chicken, fish, and lean beef.

Whole grains to add to your grocery list: oats, brown rice, whole grains pasta/ bread, and potatoes. 

Healthy fats to add to your grocery list: nut butters, olive oil, avocado, and fish. 

Focusing on whole foods is important for overall health. Whole foods are unprocessed or minimally processed foods that have no added salt, sugar or fat. They are closest to their natural state and provide many vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whole foods are more nutrient dense than processed foods. Examples of whole foods include: apples, chicken, eggs, and oatmeal. 

Focusing on whole foods can make sure you are getting in all nutrients and fiber that your body needs. 

Grocery shopping after you have eaten can be helpful to reduce impulse purchasing and straying away from your grocery list. When you are hungry you are more likely to add snacks, or other food items that are not on your grocery list to your cart.