If You Buy It, They Will Come: Tips For Healthier Grocery Shopping

I may be in the minority, but I have never watched the popular movie “Field of Dreams”. However, I have heard alot of referrence to a line from the movie. The popular phrase, “If you build it, they will come”. Recently, I have thought about an adaptation of that phrase in relation to healthy living.

In my adaptation the phrase I changed one word, “If you buy it, they will come!”, the “it” I am referring to is unhealthy (or “junk”) food. The “they” I’m referring to is extra pounds which may be gained as a result of consuming a lot of unhealthy foods and beverages. So, my toughts are if you try to avoid buying unhealthy food & beverage choices, then it will make it a lot easier to maintain or achieve your healthier lifestyle and/or weight loss. It may seem like a no-brainer to some, but actually making this habit a part of your healthy lifestyle may not be that easy. Especially, when there are lots of tempting items that sometimes scream your name in the snack aisle and at the check-out!

Healthier grocery shopping actually starts before you even leave the house. Do not go grocery shopping hungry!! Make sure you have a meal or healthy snack before you go shopping to help you avoid the temptations to eat or buy junk food.

Next, to help combat those temptations to buy unhealthy items, start with a plan by putting together a menu for the week. Try to plan your healthy meals and snacks in advance. Make sure you stock your home with a good variety of healthy items. When you grocery shop do you use a list or just randomly pick up items? Make a grocery list before you do your shopping and try your best to stick to the list. The list may save you time, money and may save you from the temptation of buying alot of unhealthy groceries.

Try new things! I’m a very picky eater and used to be extremely limited in my diet. My diet mainly consisted of pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, Philly steak sandwiches and Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food. I know that was pretty pathetic but that’s what I liked and that’s what I used to eat ALL of the time. When I decided I wanted to start being healthier I knew I definitely had to expand my variety of foods. I started gradually trying new things and have expanded my options considerably! Surprisingly, I am very content these days with my healthier food choices and have learned to love Broccoli (which I never would have imagined me ever saying nor admitting) and have added trail mix to the list of snacks I like. To get started on expanding your at-home menu, why not try buying a new healthy food a week to find out what you like?

Don’t assume things are good for you! Always check the labels of the items you’re considering purchasing and try to compare them with similar items when possible. Just because a product may be labeled “reduced fat”, “low fat” or some other term doesn’t always make it a healthy choice. Sometimes there may be added sugars to compensate for the fat reduction.

What’s your living situation? I know that everyone’s living situation is different and sometimes living with others can make your plans for improved health or weight loss a little more difficult but you have to remain determined. If you live with others, you made need to make additional plans/arrangements and ask for a little support in your efforts. Maybe you can negotiate to limit the number of unhealthy items that are purchased for your home. Also, Leading by example can sometimes help encourage others around you to want to strive for a healthier lifestyle too.

Last but not least, buy items as close to their natural state as possible! For example, why not buy an orange instead of orange juice? View a video of oranges vs. orange juice here.

After you make your serious commitment for improved health or weight loss, you have to stay motivated and focused on your goals! Be patient and persistent in your efforts! Remember that nobody’s perfect. There may be small stumbling blocks along the way, but if you happen to trip over one, make sure you pick yourself back up and continue on your path to improved health. “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”-John Quincy Adams.

 

Quick Tips To Help You Reach Your Goal Of Healthier Living:

Be Adventurous! At first, I was hesitant to try some new foods but I am very grateful I did. I make alot more healthier choices and I suprisingly don’t really miss the “junk” food. Having alot of options of healthy foods I like has helped me tremendously.

Practice Moderation! Even some of the healthier choices can add up to alot of extra caloreis if you indulge too much. Be careful of the serving size!

Clean Up! Toss out all of your unhealthy foods and keep unhealthy foods out of the house. If the food is not easily accessible, then that should help fight your temptations a great deal.

Stay Active! Move around and burn some calories. Think about taking a walk or doing some type of physical activity when you are bored instead of eating.

Think Before You Drink! Be sure to read the labels on your beverages before making a purchase. Also, be aware of the calories in any alcohol you consume. Beverage calories count too and can add up very quickly!

Additional Info:

MayoClinic.com: Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan

WebMD: Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss Quiz

Healthy vs. Junk Snacks: How We Choose

*This was written for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program or modifying your diet.