9 Grocery shopping secrets of slim women

Whether you're trying to lose weight or even just trying to eat healthier, the grocery store can be an intimidating place, as it is loaded with food temptations. Here are nine secrets to help you shop smarter and limit being tempted by unhealthy food choices:

1.      Slim women always shop with a list

Making a shopping list and following it will help prevent you from buying impulsively.

2.       Slim women don't shop when they're hungry, rushed, tired or when the store is too crowded

Nutritionists and health writers have been saying, "don't shop when you're hungry", and while that tactic is still a good one, there are even more factors to consider. The best shoppers head to the store with the ideal shopping mentality and not just a full stomach. Always have a healthy snack before going to the store, give yourself ample time to get what you need, and even try to sneak in a workout beforehand. If you've worked out and eaten something healthy, you'll feel better about yourself and you'll make better food choices. 

3.      Slim women shop the perimeter - with caution

Shopping only the outside aisles of the store is another classic rule of healthy grocery shopping, but it doesn't work as well as it used to. Supermarkets are getting savvy too as they're putting tempting things around the perimeter that you wouldn't normally find there. Take, for example, the cake and whipped cream strategically placed next to the strawberries in the produce section. You're there to buy berries, but wouldn't strawberry shortcake be even better? So, try to stick to your list and only buy the items that really belong in the perimeter of the store. And remember that the middle rows aren't completely off limits as there are so many great beans, grains, and frozen options you don't want to skip.

4.      Slim women have freezer-section favourites

Frozen vegetables are among the best frozen foods you can buy. They are healthy and fresh because they are frozen right when they're picked. Be wary of ice cream and frozen youghurt.

5.      Slim women buy snacks but not snack foods

Snacking can be a major diet pitfall, but it's unrealistic to keep your cupboards completely bare. Instead, buy foods that will satiate your cravings without ruining your diet. Try nuts or even fruit as healthy snack options.

6.      Slim women avoid fad foods

Trendy foods tend to be front and centre at the grocery store. But unless there's a real reason you should incorporate them into your diet, stay away from them as they are usually high in calories and/or sodium. 

7.      Slim women read food labels

Reading food labels can be easier than you think! With any new product, try looking at the nutrition facts - calories, fat, and sodium then compare the labels to similar products around it.

8.      Slim women check the expiration date

Look at the expiration dates on food. If it's going to expire in two years, it's probably packed with sodium and preservatives. 

9.      Slim women don't get suckered by sales

When your favourite cookies are half off, it feels wrong not to buy them, but slim shoppers don't get lured in by a good deal. Use sales as an excuse to try something new and healthy - not to stock up on junk.

 

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