Grocery Store

Let’s all go to the grocery store. I know, I hate it too, but this is where we should be getting the majority of our foods. This may seem elementary but how many of us really know how to shop for our food?

Most grocery stores are set up the same way. You have fresh vegetables and fruit along one side. A butcher block area and prepackaged meats on another. Then maybe a bakery and a frozen food section. All the processed foods make up the middle and the majority of the store.

Now you should always use the same pattern every time you go. Think of it as just walking the perimeter of the store. Everything you need is around the outside. You should always spend the majority of your time and money here. I know what you’re thinking, some of your favorite stuff is on those middle aisles. Middle aisles hold all the
processed foods. This things that are not good for you. Your body does not get enough nutrients for the amount of calories that they contain. It is like giving your wife the cracker jack prize, and paying the price of real diamond earrings. So if you’re spending the money, make sure you're getting the real stuff. The center of the store is a vacuum. The farther in you go the harder it will be to get out without all that junk food.

Formulate a plan before you go to the store. Make a list of what you need and put it in the order you will be walking in. This will ensure that you don’t cut through the middle of the store. Remember the less time you spend in the middle, the better. I walk the entire perimeter of the store then look at what it is I need from the middle and tell myself that this is all I am getting. As I walk, I only look for what is on my list. If you don’t have it on the list, more than likely you don’t need it. Remember the center is a vacuum, it will suck you in. Don’t spend a lot of time there because your will power might only hold out so long so keep moving. Now it is on to the checkout line. Now we’re not out of the woods yet. The checkout line is the worst for impulse buying. All those good looking candy bars right in your reach, and they are ALWAYS on sale. Stay back! Keep your mind busy with Anything else. Maybe what you have to do next, what you will be making to eat, or maybe even when you will be getting in your next workout. :)

I’m sure you have learned by now that planning is the key factor in this new healthy lifestyle. So take a few minutes and get a game plan before you even enter the store. You will come out proud of your choices and you won’t have food temptations sitting in your pantry at home.

Always remember, this is a journey, so take it one day at a time and be sure to enjoy as much of it as possible!