Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips(game)

Plan your meals and make a list and buy just what you need.. dont be afraid of store brands, they are usually just as good

Shop the perimeter of the store for fresher healthier selections.

Keep a list of flexible basics- foods that can go in/with anything and that you enjoy eating. I like carrots, spinach, peppers and tomatos for veggies, chicken boullion, greek yogurt and low cal mozz. cheese. I can mix and match these with a number of meats, other veggies and spices for lunch and dinner, so I can always "whip something up" that I know will be in a good nutrient/calorie range

Grocery cart races really ARE fun! And burn calories too! No wait.....you meant a serious tip? Okay....here goes:

Stick with fresh or frozen veggies if possible. Canned veggies are typically very high in sodium. If you MUST used canned veggies, give them a rinse first. It helps.

Choose breads and rolls with the words "whole-wheat" as the first ingredient. Look for breads that contain at least 2 - 3 grams of fiber per slice.

Speak up! If your grocery store doesn't carry something you are interested (such as greek yogurt or low sodium sliced turkey breast) ask a manager to order it. You'd be surprised! Often times they will!

And bring along reusable bags (I have to put a post it note on my rear view mirror to remind myself....seriously).......create less waste!

TAH DAH!!!! See? I can be useful sometimes!

I plan out my meals for the week and make a grocery list and buy everything I need so I won't have to go back to the store for at least a week. If I have to go to the grocery store to "pick up a few things" I always buy more than those few things and therefore spend more money.

I think it is important to try one new food item every week. I look forward to trying new foods, but can't afford to try everything new all in one week, so I pick the one I want to try the most each week.