5 Grocery Shopping Tips for Healthy Eating

Getting good nutrition can be a struggle, but eating and being well are within reach if you start with good habits at the grocery store. When you walk into the store with a plan, you're much more likely to walk out with the healthy food you need for the week with a few extras.

1. Make a Plan and Stick to It!

When you're making a plan for meals for the week, consider MyPlate.

1/2 of your plate: Fruits & veggies

1/4 of your plate: Lean protein

1/4 of your plate: High fiber starch (like whole grains)

For tips on MyPlate, click here

2. Stick to The Perimeter

This is not new advice, but it works! In most grocery stores, the produce, deli, meat, dairy, and fresh bread sections are on the outskirts of the store. The less you find yourself in the central aisles of the grocery store, the healthier your shopping trip will be.

3. Don't Shop Hungry

The best way to prevent impulse snack buying is to eat a healthy meal before heading to the store. Healthy eating inspires more healthy eating!

4. Involve Friends and Family

Climbing the pyramid to better nutrition can be hard if you go it alone. Invite your family to help make the shopping list for the week. Tell a friend what you're up to; that way, you're on the hook for health!

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Help can come in many forms. Whether you work with a physician and a dietician or get nutrition help through the Y's healthy lifestyle program, there's support everywhere.