When it comes to health and wellness (ok, actually when it comes to all aspects of my life), I’m all about setting myself up for success! Because quite honestly, I need all the help I can get. You see, eating the “right” foods for better health doesn’t just come naturally for me. Like most things in my life, if I’m going to be successful (or at least fairly successful) at something, I have to be intentional.

When it comes to eating…I would say that I am (or at least, I try to be) intentional most of the times. What does “intentional” look like you may ask? “Intentional” may mean different things for different people but I guess for me, it means being mindful…thinking before I buy. For me, this is what intentional grocery shopping looks like….

Here are 5 tips that help me be intentional when I go grocery shopping:

1) Never, never, ever go grocery shopping when you're hungry. Never. Which part of “never” was I not clear about? If I am hungry while I’m grocery shopping, I tend to be a little cranky (trust me when I say this: you won’t like me very much when I’m cranky…just ask my family) And, I tend to make impulsive decisions. I buy things that I wouldn’t normally buy because I’m in a “weakened” state and everything sounds appealing and good to me!

2) Make a list and stick to it. Again, the purpose of a list keeps me on track and keeps me from going down the aisle where all the goodies are. Plus, it takes the stress out of trying to remember everything that I need and, it makes decision-making easier.

3) Look at the ingredient list. I feel like the most important information on a food label is the ingredient list. The ingredients listed on the label are listed in descending order…meaning, the most predominant items are listed first. I look for and avoid “enriched wheat flour”. I look for and avoid added sugars. If either of these ingredients are the first or second ingredient—I don’t buy it. If you’re either trying to lose weight; OR, you struggle with staying at a healthy body weight—this, quite possibly, is one of the most important AND easiest strategies to employ. Just by eliminating these two ingredients from your life—you will eliminate a lot of processed foods and a lot of empty and useless Calories.

4) Buy food that is as close to nature as possible. Ask yourself: is this food available in nature? Or, is it man-made or God-made?

5) Enjoy grocery shopping. Even though food is a physiological need….food is also a social and cultural thing. So, enjoy shopping and enjoy eating. Good food is enjoyable and it’s even more enjoyable when you eat with the favorite people in your life!

And one final thought: don’t use the kids or a spouse as an excuse for buying something that you know will only be a temptation for you. You know what I’m talking about….we’ve all done it! Again, set yourself up for success and be intentional!

So there you have it: My favorite tips for grocery shopping.

Leave me a comment or a thought. Please be nice though, cuz I’m kinda sensitive.