A Little Bit of What You Like Does You Good... 5 Tips For Smart Grocery Shopping

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 in the store with a plan, you're much more likely to walk out with the healthy food you need for the week with 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, organic 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

We've all been prey to the tempting gaze of the glazed donut when shopping hungry. But we're better than that and we know it. The best way to prevent the impulse snack buy 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 arduous if you go it alone. Inviting kids to help make the shopping list for the week and talk about what things belong on the list and what things don't can help remind you of the same lessons. Another way to hold yourself accountable is to just 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 choose to work with a physician and a dietician or get nutrition help through the Y's weight-loss program, Lose to Win, there's support everywhere.