Plan your meals ahead of time, then create a purchasing list based on those plans.
The perimeter of a supermarket is typically stocked with fresh produce, lean meats, and dairy products. Focus on loading your shopping cart with whole foods.
Pay close attention to the nutrition labels on food packaging. Look for items with less saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium.
Attempt to have a diversity of fruits and vegetables in your shopping cart. Choose a variety of colors to ensure that you consume a variety of nutrients.
Choose trim cuts of meat, such as skinless poultry, fish, and lean beef or pork. Choose low-fat dairy alternatives.
Choose whole grain options such as brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and whole wheat pasta.
Stock up on nutritious snacks to avoid grasping for unhealthy alternatives when hunger strikes.
Be wary of "healthy" claims on food packaging, as they can be deceptive. Pay attention to labels such as "low-fat," "reduced-sugar."
Avoid grocery purchasing on an empty stomach, as this can lead to impulsive and unhealthy food selections.
Focus on your list and avoid aisles with highly processed and harmful foods. It is less likely to be in your pantry if it is not in your shopping cart.