How to shop for healthy foods

Shopping for healthy food options does not have to be overwhelming, here are a few tips to help you out:

Plan Ahead-It is important to know what you are shopping for. Are you just getting options for dinner, or are you planning on all three meals of the day? Consider the staples that you need, such as snack items. Check your cupboards and see what you already have.

Make a List- Knowing what you are going to the store for will keep you on track and allow for shopping to be more efficient and help you stay away from impulse junk food buying.

Stick to the Perimeter of the Store- The freshest and healthiest options are along the sides of the store. There you will find your produce, meats, dairy and bakery. These are natural items that are not pumped full of hormones and other chemicals.

Read Nutrition Labels- It is extremely important to know what is going into your body! Take the time to see how many sugars, carbohydrates and how much sodium is in your food choices. Also look at the ingredients.