5 healthy grocery shopping tips for weight loss

Let’s clear one thing up: eating healthy does not have to be pricey. 

In fact, with the right tips, both your nutrition and weekly spending will be under control with every trip you make to the grocery store. 

Here’s how to save money and lose inches on your waistline. Easy simple grocery shopping tips you can use today:

Start with a list 

What do you need from the grocery store this week? Did you create a list or are you planning on winging it from the top of your head?

What’s the saying, “failing to plan is planning to fail”?

When you go to the store with a list it prevents you from walking around aimlessly.

You need to be prepared when you are at the store. You have a better chance of sticking to the plan if you have a list. You are less likely to be tempted by some random sale or the snacks that call your name when you walk by them.

Check store for sales and deals

The number one complaint I hear is eating healthy costs too much money. People ask how can I eat so healthy with the cost of food. 

You can work your shopping list by incorporating sales items. Before you head to the store and plan your meals for the week, pull up the weekly ads from your local grocery store online and see what’s on sale. You can switch up types of cuts of meat as well as the staples, even the brands by switching things for what’s marked down for the week. 

Coupons can help in savings. Many stores have digital coupons on their website. If you like a particular brand, go to their website and sign up to receive their coupons by email that you can print at home. 

You also can use apps like Ibotta (* use code vbelg for extra savings) where you can just scan your receipts and save on the items you already purchased.

This week I saved money on Crystal Light, which I drink to get my water in, and chicken breast. I didn’t do anything different but scan my receipt after shopping to save an additional dollar.

Shop fruits and veggies in season

Many people think organic fruits and vegetables are a part of eating healthy. If you can afford it, sure. But organic fruits and vegetables are not required.

Fruits and vegetables are “in season” during the time of the year they are naturally harvested.

Plants have different growing cycles. Some thrive best when temperatures are warm, while others grow better in cooler weather.

In any given season, a new crop of fruits and veggies will be ready to be picked, plucked, gathered or dug up. When a certain type of produce is being harvested in abundance, grocers usually lower prices due to the increased local supply.

This Seasonal Food Guide shows people what’s in season in each state.

Avoid snacks and processed foods

This can be hard regardless of how strong your willpower is. It can be made even harder if you have children in your house.

Whether you have children or not, think about how you can replace some snacks with healthier options. 

Can you swap out some sugary snacks with fruit? Switch out microwave butter popcorn with air-popped popcorn?

Try roasting nuts.

Also, opt for small individual servings that can be eaten then be gone versus a big bag of snacks. 

Read food labels

You’ve gotta know what’s going into your body and how nutritious your foods are. The only way to do that is by reading and learning about the labels.

If you want to be healthier it requires you to know what to eat, how much to eat and what the labels mean.

Looking for additional tips? Try adding some of these nine tips to cut calories to lose weight.

What are some of your grocery shopping tips and hacks?