October SHRED #12: Shop With a Plan

We’ve already talked about shopping along the perimeter, but to be successful it also helps to go in to the store with a plan.  If you go in blind, you’re very likely going to wander around the store, going up and down each aisle looking for things you may need.

Like cookies, right?

Yeah, every aisle has something you probably don’t need to be eating, and if you wander around some of it is going to accidentally fall into your cart.  But if you have a list, and you know exactly what you’re supposed to get, it’s easier to pass by the cookie/cracker aisle.  And the frosting aisle.  Ahem.

Now, some of you…and who am I kidding, because I’m talking about me…aren’t list people.  I’ll make a list of things that my wife wants me to get, because I don’t like having to go back.  ”A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter.”  Name that show!

But I HATE making a complete list for the store.  What I do take in is kind of an outline.  It might just say “produce” instead of specific things…letting me browse around the produce for a while.  But when it comes to things in the middle of the store, I tend to get more specific.  Anything to keep me out of trouble with the snack foods is worth it.

And a lot of stores now have downloadable maps and shopping lists so you can plan your trip in advance.  It sounds silly planning a trip to the store, but if you find yourself constantly coming home with the “wrong” foods, you might want to try it.

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Previous Super Healthy Recommendations for Excellent Diets

• SHRED #1: Don’t Buy Halloween Candy Until Just Before Halloween
• SHRED #2: Eat a Healthy Breakfast
• SHRED #3: Mixed Grain Casserole
• SHRED #4: Drink Your Water
• SHRED #5: No Late Snacking
• SHRED #6: Snack Tip – Popcorn
• SHRED #7: Get Your Rest
• SHRED #8: Cut Back on Soda
• SHRED #9: Shop Along the Perimeter
• SHRED #10: Snack Tip – Apples
• SHRED #11: Track What You Eat

Tags: grocery shopping