Do you ever notice when you get home from the grocery store, you have extra food items that are unhealthy you didn’t set out to buy? Well, we’ve all heard the saying “never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach” but what most don’t know is what aisles to avoid and how to shop smart. When trying to stick to clean eating, most mistakes are made in the grocery store. I’m sure we are all guilty of rushing to the grocery store on an empty stomach and buying things we shouldn’t eat due to hunger pangs. We also end up making this mistake because we are unprepared and are unaware of what aisle we need to be in and what aisles to completely avoid.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your grocery shopping, kitchen cabinets and body, clean. Make a list and stick to it- Always make sure you make a list of what groceries you need.
Having that list will help keep you on track. If you write your food list before shopping you are pre planning and more apt to choose healthier options. Not only does this help you stick to your clean eating, it saves time and money. Stick to the outside aisles of the store- All of the fresh produce like veggies and fruits along with clean foods such as nuts, seeds, almond milks and lean proteins are always located on the outside aisle of the grocery store. Most of the food in the middle of the store is processed, packaged and has assed sugar and chemicals. Stay clear!
Drink a protein shake before you shop- If you don’t have time, drink a protein shake and/or practice food prep. Healthy snacks like homemade protein bars, (made with your favorite protein powder), homemade trail mix, chopped veggies and fruits are all great ideas. Make sure you at least have something packed with you when you shop. The most convenient snack I’d have to say is a protein shake. It’s quick and easy to make and holds benefits like curbing your appetite while preserving lean muscle. This is perfect for protection in going overboard in the grocery store. Keeping your body fueled with protein sources will help keep your mind focused on the food your body needs.
Keep in mind that your nutrition is roughly 80 percent of the changes in your physique when trying to get fit. Being prepared for grocery shopping and only hosting clean foods in your home is a huge asset to reaching fitness goals. A little preparation goes a long way!
