The everyday average joe can always say: “Okay! I’m going to go out and buy these things on my list, meat and veggies! That’s it!” But it takes a true trooper of self-interest and determination to actually do that. And if you have a family it’s much harder to do such a thing, and things can get pricey, and sometimes you need to buy things for the kids and family – and once it’s in your cupboard it’s really hard to resist!
With the cost of food – and more specifically healthy foods going u, it’s definitely not easy! And writing a list won’t help unless you actually have the willpower and ability to stick to it! So, for those who are able to follow them, Hope is going to offer some offer some tips about shopping for healthy food. But it literally is also not just about healthy foods, but also healthy shopping – for you mentally and financially.
Tip #1: Don’t shop hungry!
Going shopping for food while your are tummy is empty is never a good idea! Since hunger is actually sensed by a complex system of chemicals in your body signal your brain that it wants food, this system is easily excitable. The sight, scent and even thought of foods, particularly addictive junk foods can excite these chemicals to a severe degree, making your willpower to not grab those naughty biscuits off of the shelf. Even something as simple as a familiar package of something you like can cause natural instinctive urges to pick out unhealthier foods, generally things that make you feel fuller, faster but with less satisfaction. Don’t worry. This is normal. There has actually been studies done to prove that this is actually a survival urge, but it is not an impulse that cannot be avoided! So make you grab a light snack or eat your meals before you go to the shops!
Tip #2: Minimize Bags, Boxes and Cans!
Unfortunately anything with explicit and colourful packaging is usually processed evil. The less you travel through the shelves where boxes, cans and bags are, the less tempted you will be to buy these things. Eating healthy should always involve a lot more fresh foods anyway, so these pre-packaged foods such as pasta, boxes of crackers, bags of potato chips, cans of soda, pre-canned veggies (ie: Canned corn, peas, green beans) etc should not be on your priority list. The less you focus on all those things that come in bright colourful packing, the more you can get down to the beautiful bright veggies and fruits waiting in the produce section!
Tip #3: Make a list!
Lists! You know, those things you always make, but never fail to forget in the car or on the kitchen bench when you leave? Those things! They are important! Try to stop forgetting them would ya?! Lists help you prioritize, and organize. You can keep track of what you need, what you want, and what you should and should not get. Make sure to leave chips, dip, and soda off of them, and try to stick with what you make. This tip REALLY coincides with #4!
Tip #4: Research and Plan Out your Meals!
This tip gets largely ignored – because it actually takes preemptive effort. I know that it’s a pain, but hear me out! If you have a larger family to feed and you’re trying to keep everyone on track in terms of eating right, planning out your meals, and doing research for new and yet low costly recipes are important. Even if it’s just you, or you and your partner – plan it out. Research! It’s super fun to look up new recipes, and find things you want to try to make for yourself, or to test out your on your budget flexibility. Planning things out will also help you save money in the long wrong because you can write down what you need – and things you might want but may wait for next time. It correlates with Bargain shopping, and deciding which shops are on the priority list to visit. Maybe you can even keep things tight enough to have a “Fun” night planned – something that is also important so that you don’t Deprive Yourself.
Tip #5: Don’t Deprive Yourself! And Make what you can from scratch!
This tip is very important. For all diets of all types! Eating healthy doesn't mean cutting yourself from everything that you enjoy. In fact, that’s one of the worst things you can do! Depriving yourself of all of your favourite treats at once will break your willpower fast. Life is miserable when you can’t at least indulge every once in a while right? So, go ahead and buy that tub of ice cream, have a scoop a day! Maybe you have a favourite chocolate? Buy some, have a little piece every day after dinner with perhaps with your after-dinner tea, or even your afternoon coffee. And lest we forget, some of the things we so desire we can make ourselves. From Smoothies, to fruit juices, to flavored water, to healthier alternatives to your favourite cookies, things can be made from scratch – and you’ll be much better for it. That way you know what’s going into your food, and your tummy!
Tip #6: Cut back on Starches, Grains, and Corn!
These are literally your worst enemy. Starches usually reside in pastas, which is made of grains, and bad carbohydrates, Grains, even the ‘healthy’ ones, and even corn are literally evil. Not only are they bad for your body to digest, hard on your system to get rid of, but they could even increase your chances for dementia, Alzheimer, and other mind afflicting ailments. Not to mention the gluten involved in this, which our bodies are not meant to absorb high amounts of. These can cause negative mood swings as well. These things are simply bad, and while they are considered a common staple, they are definitely something your quality of life can improve without.
Tip #7: Bargain Shop
Bargain is something we naturally do, so it’s not hard and a no brainer for me to tell you to do so when it comes to healthy food. Remember, healthy food does not mean pre-packaged brand name “health” foods. I’m talking about fresh fruits and veggies and meats!
Tip #8: Fruiterers and Butcheries
Sometimes our local big grocery store is a little out of whack with the prices of our meats and veggies and fruits. In fact, sometimes they are little more expensive! Isn’t that nuts? It is always worth looking into finding your local butcher and veggie and fruit markets. Not only do they sell fresh fruit, usually grown locally in support of your local farmers, but they sell them at more reasonable prices. Meats and Veggies are a primary part of eating right, so its worth seeing where you can get what the cheapest!
Tip #9: Don’t Over-stock your fridge!
A lot of people when shopping regularly buy a lot at a time, because they are buying non-perishable or long last foods. When you’re using a lot of fresh fruit and veg and meats it’s best not to over do it, or you could be throwing money down the drain. Try to plan it out so where you only buy the amount you need in a week or so. Sure, you have to go shopping more often, but if you think about it, do you ever actually go more than a week without going into the shops for something anyway? Chances are, probably not.
Awesome tips.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad! Hope it helps!
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