A team of experts has revealed tricks that can be adopted during weekly shopping to help with weight loss. Here are the most important tricks:
1. **Make a List of Necessary Food Items**
Dr. Eileen Alexander, a weight loss expert, states, "A list will help you stay on task, prevent procrastination, and reduce the likelihood of buying pizza out of panic because you don’t know what to do." Fitness trainer Ikam Griwal explains, "I prepare my shopping list based on the layout of the supermarket, starting with fruits, vegetables, and meats. I'm strategic, so I go in and out and only get what I know I need."
2. **Don’t Shop While Hungry**
Alexander mentions, "Shopping while hungry means you're more likely to overshop. When we do this, we are likely to overconsume, leading to extra calories we don’t need."
3. **Check Labels**
Take the time to check labels on packaged foods to be sure of what you will be eating, focusing on sugar, saturated fats, and salt.
4. **Focus on Fruits and Vegetables**
Fruits and vegetables are important because they are high in fiber and nutrients. If you are concerned that fresh produce will spoil too quickly, buy frozen, as they last for several months, including peas, berries, mangoes, spinach, and mixed vegetables.
5. **Order Online**
With this method, you can easily read labels and compare items while avoiding eye-catching products. Alexander explains, "Professor Brian Wansink, a researcher in food psychology and consumer behavior, tells us that the placement of foods, along with marketing and packaging, significantly impacts our buying behaviors. This means supermarkets are often designed to maximize profits, not health, making it harder to consistently make healthy choices."
6. **Plan for Healthy Snacks**
Try to avoid the snack and candy aisle, opting instead for nutritious snacks like plain nuts and baked crackers.
7. **Cook in Bulk**
If you rely on high-fat, calorie-dense ready-made foods that won't keep you full because you're too busy, prepare meals in bulk by buying enough ingredients.
