5 tips from Chef Lisa Brown of Free Flowing to help keep you on track at the grocery store!

Blog post by Chef Lisa of Free Flowing Health

1. Make a list and stick to it.

Set yourself up for success by planning ahead. Take a few minutes to plan out your meals for the week and always create a shopping list before heading to the grocery store to ensure you don’t get side tracked, over spend or buy unhealthy food items.

2. Never shop hungry.

Science says that shopping on an empty stomach propels shoppers to purchase way more than needed and make less healthy decisions. Eat a nutritious & delicious meal before you embark on your journey to the grocery store.

3. Shop the perimeter of the store first.

Spending most of your time in the produce section will ensure you are buying fresh, unprocessed wholefoods including leafy greens, vegetables and fresh fruits. Aim to fill your cart with at least 50% fresh produce, if not more. Make sure to grab whole grains, tofu, tempeh, nut butters beans, legumes, nuts and seeds as well.

4. Read ingredient & nutrition labels.

If you can’t pronounce it, don’t buy it. Avoid items with high sodium, dyes, harmful additives and preservatives, trans fats or hydrogenated oils, added sugar of any kind, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners, MSG, and refined grains.

5. Try new things.

Explore new, innovative recipes and incorporate a variety of fresh fruits and veggies into your diet to prevent boredom. Be creative and have fun in the kitchen!