Diana Chaloux

The grocery store is literally stuffed with choices for you to make. There are delicious and enticing sugary and fattening foods calling out to you from the shelves at nearly every turn! What is worse is the fact that there are so many unhealthy foods that come in packages labeling them as “healthy” so the average consumer is easily fooled into thinking they are eating something that is good for them! Here are my top tips to help you make the choices in the grocery store that will be in tune with your desire to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle.

First of all, avoid shopping when you are hungry. You will likely spend more money and be tempted to choose foods that aren’t nutritious and part of your healthy eating plan. Have a healthy meal or snack before you even walk into the store to avoid sabotaging your goal to make good choices.

Shop the perimeter. You will notice that the majority of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products are located on the outer edges of the grocery store. Stick to the perimeter and it will be easier to make the right choices!

Be prepared! Take a list and have a plan. Stick to your plan. If a food is not on your list don’t buy it. If you cave to the urge of purchasing unhealthy foods at the store, think how much harder it will be to avoid the temptation of eating them when they are sitting in the cupboard at your home!

One of the most important tips I have for you is to read, read, read!! It is very important to educate yourself on what you are putting into your body and the bodies of your family members if you are shopping for them. Reading labels and learning which products are good for you will take some time. However, when you know which items fit the needs of your fit and healthy lifestyle, grocery shopping becomes much faster and easier in the long run. Start by checking out the items in your kitchen, read the labels from the products that you consume on a regular basis and determine whether or not they are a good choice. What are you looking for on the labels of the foods you are purchasing? Start by reading the serving size, how much is one serving size and how many servings are in a container? Note the calories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates and sugars per serving. Don’t be fooled by terms such as “fat free”, “healthy”, “carb control”, “low cholesterol” etc. Just because these claims are made on the package doesn’t mean that a product is good for you! A “fat free” product can be loaded up with sugar and excess calories which will store as fat in your body anyways. Also beware because labeling laws actually allow products to claim that they are “fat free” if they contain a very minimal amount of fat. In large quantities a lot of these products actually contain a significant amount of fat and calories!

Look to see what the first ingredient is on the label, the first item that is listed is the most prevalent ingredient in the product, you may be surprised at how many items have high fructose corn syrup as their main ingredient!

When you reach the checkout counter the contents of your shopping cart should be at least 80 healthy choices and about 20 treats and cheats. Load up on foods such as fresh fruits and veggies, lean meat and fish, low fat or skim dairy products, healthy whole wheat carbohydrates and nutritious fats such as nuts or avocados. A well balanced lifestyle of course includes treats and foods that can be eaten on occasion and in moderation such as cookies or desserts but remember that these are not for everyday if you are serious about improving your health and fitness levels.

Healthy choices for a fit and healthy lifestyle truly start in your shopping cart. Make the right choices at the grocery store, keep the best foods available to you in your home and you will be on the right track to a leaner, fitter, more energetic and healthier you!

Diana Chaloux is a certified personal trainer, Fitness Coach, Nutrition Specialist, NPC Figure Competitor and owner of Destined 2 Be Fit (www.d2bfit.com) in San Antonio, TX. Contact Diana at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it