Supermarket Sweep

 

The average supermarket stocks thousands of products, so its no wonder shopping for healthy foods can seem like a challenge at times.


The following practical tips might help you make the best choices and match the contents of your trolley with your healthy eating intentions. A well stocked kitchen is probably your number one friend if you’re trying to eat healthily.

 

Put a rainbow in your trolley


Choosing a colourful mix of fruit and vegetables is a great way to ensure you’re getting a good range of nutrients.

 

Make a list


Planning your shopping in advance can help make your trip quicker, less stressful and less expensive. Armed with a list, you’re less likely to be tempted by those unhealthy ‘extras’.

 

Focus on fresh produce


Spend plenty of time choosing fresh fruit and vegetables – look out for seasonal or unusual produce. If you’re easily distracted by confectionary you may prefer to avoid this aisle completely!

 

Avoid shopping when hungry


Walking through the supermarket with a rumbling stomach can make you more likely to make impulse purchases of high-fat, high-calorie snacks that you don’t really need.

 

Get the balance right


Stop and look at your trolley – is the majority of your shopping made up of fresh produce and wholegrain plant foods? If so, you’re on the right track.

 

Check food labels


Some foods can appear healthier than they really are, with clever marketing and attractive pictures. Make sure you find out the facts by checking food labels or looking out for the ‘traffic lights’ – see the food labelling link in this Insider for more information.

 

Plan your meals each week


Having the right foods to hand takes the hard work out of preparing healthy meals. Decide which meals to prepare each week and add the ingredients to your shopping list.


Take advantage of special offers


Make the most of ‘extra free’ offers on fruit and vegetables but don’t buy more than you need, and try to avoid the temptation of offers in the cake and desserts section.

 

Keep portions in proportion


If you buy big value packs, divide the food into smaller portions to eat over a number of days, or buy foods pre-portioned. Why not buy from the food counter so you can specify the exact amount you want and only buy what you need.

 

Try healthy swaps


If you normally buy whole milk, why not swap to semi-skimmed or skimmed, saving you both calories and fat? Introducing changes one at a time allows your taste buds time to adjust. You could also add a new fruit or vegetable to your trolley each week to keep your diet interesting and healthy.

 

Quick Shopping Check List