I need a "Get Started" Shopping list...

When I do my shopping I get lots of fresh fruits and vegetables....also with other products, read lables and make sure low in calories and fat. I found that it helps me to pre-plan some of my meals so that I know what I'll be buying from the store.

- what you usually shop for, just less of it.

- what you usually shop for, just less of it.

This

If you change your whole shopping list at once you will never stick to the changes.

oatmeal
low-fat or fat-free yogurt ... Greek has an extra power punch (Fage is best)
lots of fresh fruit and veg
some low-cal power bars for when you need a protein boost, but don't have time
a nice healthy cereal, like Kashi or Special K
eggs
tuna
chicken breast
hummus
avocados
whole wheat bread and/or crackers
cassava crisps (if you can find them) or some sort of chip substitute
rice crackers
cottage cheese
quinoa
lentils
your regular dinner stuff ... just the lean varieties of things
peanut butter or almond butter
low-fat milk
dark chocolate ... for when you need something sweet ... this keeps me from eating ice cream, pastries, etc.

There was a thread recently on the top 5 foods that people can't do without, that might give you some ideas.

Grab a large assortment of vegetables and fruits in particular. You would be surprised what you can do with a basic piece of fruit. I hope your weight loss goes well~~

My essentials:

Chicken and red meats, fish, prawns/scallops/seafood. I tend to avoid pork because I don't particularly like it. Chicken drumsticks/legs can be great to take to work/school for lunch.
Eggs
Full-fat milk
Yoghurt (pref. Greek)
Lots of Fruit & Vegetables. Lots of variety! Nothing's out of bounds as far as I'm concerned.
High-fiber crackers to have instead of sandwiches - Ryvita, for example or oatcakes
Strong-flavoured cheese ie. mature Cheddar or similar, feta, halloumi.
Cottage cheese if you can cope with the texture - I go through phases on this one.
Parmesan - you only need a little grated to give great flavour.
Smoked salmon, ham, turkey slices for lunches
Hummus or low-fat guacamole (just about the only 'low-fat' thing I do)
Good dark chocolate - at least 70% cocoa solids
Giant rolled oats
Herbs & spices for flavouring
A decent-sized potato or two.
Cannellini or Kidney beans (more so in the winter). I really don't like lentils, but lots of people swear by them.
Real butter
Small loaf of bread that can be sliced, frozen and defrosted slice by slice. Pitta breads, wraps. Ditto on the freeze and defrost as needed.
Dried fruits & nuts for portable snacks
Frozen berries for smoothies
Peanut butter. I'm thinking of trying almond as well.
Brown/wild rice, bulgur or couscous. I love pasta, so I buy a packet of 'fresh' tortellini or gnocchi, and freeze it until I really have to have it.
Olive oil - the good stuff - and balsamic vinegar. Vincotto if you can find it for oil-free salad dressings.
Wasabi peas, if you can find them/can handle wasabi. A handful is a brilliant way for me to conquer the snack attack - the wasabi knocks out your tastebuds for a bit and they're very crunchy!
I'm quite happy to have diluted elderflower or lime cordial with fizzy water instead of a glass of wine/whiskey in the evenings five days out of seven.

That's what works for me. You essentially need to make it as easy as possible, and as adapted to your lifestyle as you can. If it's difficult or doesn't work with what you have to fit into the day, chances are you'll slip more than you otherwise would. Good luck!

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