Eating healthy is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating the right kinds of food is how you’ll have more energy, maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage many chronic diseases, etc. But making smart decisions when shopping for food can be challenging not only because there are so many options available but also because there are budget, nutritional, and personal preferences to consider. 

To make it easier, here are some tips for shopping for healthy food, whether you’re a cook at an assisted living facility or a college student who needs help.

Don’t Impulse Buy

Impulse buying is not a good idea when it comes to healthy eating. When you shop without a plan or list you’re more likely to buy things that aren’t part of a healthy diet. 

Making a grocery list before shopping is an excellent way to guarantee you purchase the right types of food. If you don’t like lists or don’t have time to make one, at least have a general idea of what you need before you begin shopping; try to think of healthy foods that will last throughout the week you can use to prepare meals in advance or snack on. 

Shop the Perimeter 

Most stores have their produce, meats, dairy products, and other healthy foods along the perimeter of the store as they want to entice you to purchase fresh and perishable items. Try to focus on these sections when shopping for groceries. 

The middle aisles of the store are where most processed and unhealthy foods are located, like chips, candy, soda, etc. There may be some healthy options in the center aisles but it’s best to avoid these sections to stick to your healthy eating plan.

Read Labels 

Reading labels is important when shopping for healthy food as many foods that appear to be healthy actually have added sugars, fats, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. Always take the time to read the nutrition label on the back of each product to help you make informed decisions about what to buy. 

Pay close attention to not just the ingredient list, but also the serving size, calories, and other nutrition facts listed on the label. 

Look for Discounts

There’s no need to break the bank to shop for healthy food. Look for discounts, store brands, or coupons that will help you save money on your grocery bill. Additionally, there are usually sales or deals on certain items each week, so be sure to read the advertisements and take advantage of any deals available. 

To find out more information, talk to the store manager or look online. Additionally, many stores offer loyalty and rewards programs that can help you save a ton of money. 

Shopping for healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive, or time-consuming. With a bit of planning and following these tips you can easily find nutritious foods while staying within your budget. Remember to read labels for key nutrition facts, plan ahead by making a list and look for discounts so you can save money on healthy food!