When it comes to maintaining healthy habits, grocery shopping is a crucial part of the equation (we all go grocery shopping, right?😅). Decision-making at the grocery store impacts what we eat throughout the week (I’m assuming we cook all our meals during the week!). Here are some important things to consider when grocery shopping to maintain healthy habits: 

📝 Make a list 

Before heading to the grocery store, make a list! This will help you avoid impulse buying (that Lindt chocolate bar is not on your list 👀) and prevent you from forgetting the things you need. When making your list, think about the meals you want to prepare this week and what ingredients you’ll need (it might be useful to have an already set meal plan). Also, remember to include healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and vegetables (we all have midnight snack cravings! 

🥦 Choose whole foods

These foods are minimally processed and contain the nutrients and fibre that naturally occur in that food. Choose whole grains, including quinoa, whole-grain bread, and brown rice. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables (if you have access to a farmers market, shop there!). When choosing protein sources, opt for lean sources like chicken, turkey, fish (great source of omega-3) and tofu. 

🔎 Read labels 

When shopping at the supermarket, most of the food is packaged. Therefore, reading the labels to know what you’ll be consuming is essential. Look for products that are low in sodium, processed sugar and saturated fat. Check the ingredients and avoid products containing artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Remember that products that claim to be ‘organic’ or ‘all-natural’ don’t necessarily mean that they are healthy. 

✨ Diversify your sources of protein

Different protein options are available in the grocery store. Mix and match these sources to maintain a high-protein diet while keeping your budget in check. You can choose from lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish – avoid processed meats), eggs and egg whites, dairy (milk, yoghurt, cheese), beans and legumes, tofu and tempeh. Protein is vital for building and maintaining tissue; you can find diverse foods to help you meet your protein goals! 

Maintaining healthy grocery shopping habits requires planning, being mindful when shopping, and making intelligent choices. These tips can help you tweak your shopping habits and lead a healthier lifestyle.