Smart Shopping Tips—Healthy Supermarket Choices
Make the most of your shopping trips
- Make a shopping list to control impulse buying. A prepared list will help you stick to your healthy eating plan and not forget items you need. If you use coupons, write your list on an envelope and put the coupons in it. Buy things that aren’t on your list only when they are really a bargain.
- Shop only once a week when you are not hungry. The more you go to the store, the more food you will buy. Shop alone if family members push you to buy things you do not need.
- Go to stores you know. Group food on your shopping list according to supermarket aisles in order to shop more quickly. The longer you stay in a store, the more you will buy.
- Read food labels. Reading labels before heading to the supermarket can help you make wise food choices. Most packaged foods in grocery stores and convenience markets list nutrition information.
- Build menus around foods you already have. If your favorite recipes are not very nutritious, change them to cut the fat, sodium, and sugar. Try 1 new recipe per week. Look for simple recipes with few ingredients.
- Consider how the meals will look. Choose foods that are different in color, texture, flavor, shape, size, and temperature. A meal that is all 1 color or all 1 texture is less appetizing.
- Look for store specials in the newspaper. Buy what is in season to save money. Use coupons only if they are for products you normally buy or that fit into your meal plan. Often coupons are for expensive national brands. A store brand or a fresh product may be a better buy.
- Plan meals for the whole family. Your healthy eating plan is what everyone should eat. It is well balanced and nutritious. You don't need to make yourself separate meals because you have diabetes.
- Shop your local farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets provide access to locally grown, fresh produce. Plus, because they are filled with flavorful fruits and vegetables, you won't be faced with unhealthy temptations.
