Grocery Shopping Tips for Weight Loss

To lose weight, a lifestyle change is in order. You’re improving the quality of food you’ve been eating, reducing the number of calories you’ve been consuming and increasing the amount of exercise you’re doing. Since you have the most control over the foods stored in your fridge and pantry, your grocery shopping habits become essential to the success of your weight loss goals. Small tweaks can make a big difference. Follow these easy tips on your next trip to the market.

1. Shop around the perimeter.

The freshest foods—fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, and fish—are always along the store perimeter. Spend more time in these areas than the center aisles, where the packaged and processed foods are located. To avoid temptation, steer clear of the snack food and soda aisles.

2. Never shop when you’re hungry.

This should go without saying, but shopping for food when your stomach is growling is a recipe for disaster. Your judgment is seriously impaired, and all the wrong kinds of food are calling your name. When hunger isn’t an issue, you can focus on filling your cart with healthy stuff.

3. Leave the kids at home.

If you’re a parent to a little one or a couple of little ones (like me), you know how difficult it is to rein them in when you’re trying to shop. They want everything in sight, including that sugary cereal, that box of cookies, that candy bar, you get the point. If possible, shop at a time when the kiddos aren’t tagging along to test your patience—and your willpower.

4. Make a shopping list.

Plan ahead. You’ll hear this often from me. When you want to lose weight, you have to do whatever it takes to stay on track. And that means advance preparation, and not leaving things up to chance. Bring a shopping list with you to the grocery store, so you can avoid impulse-buys and get all the healthy foods you need for your (preplanned) weekly meals.

5. Wear your skinny jeans.

There’s nothing wrong with cruising around the market in your sweats, but if putting on a figure-flattering outfit can help serve as a reminder of your fitness and nutrition goals, then give it a try. Take advantage of every bit of motivation.