One of the most popular tips from Getting in Shape 101 is about grocery shopping. Readers tell me they finished a workout and went straight to the store to try it. Here’s the idea: food is fuel, and the grocery store is where you decide what fuel your week runs on.
Plan before you go
Decide on three proteins, three vegetables, two carbohydrate sources and a few healthy snacks. A short list prevents impulse buys and makes cooking faster.
Shop the perimeter first
Fresh produce, lean meats, fish, eggs and dairy typically line the outer edges of the store. Fill your cart there, then dip into the aisles for oats, rice, beans, nuts and frozen vegetables.
Never shop hungry
Hunger makes chips look like a food group. Eat something first or bring a snack.
Prep once, eat all week
Spend an hour on Sunday grilling chicken, roasting vegetables and cooking a batch of rice or sweet potatoes. When you’re tired on Wednesday, a healthy meal takes two minutes instead of a drive-thru trip.
Keep fast options on hand
- Greek yogurt and fruit
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Canned tuna or salmon pouches
- Frozen steam-in-bag vegetables
- Nuts and whole-grain wraps
Need a personalized plan?
A tailored nutrition plan takes the guesswork out of what to buy and when to eat. Request a consultation to get started. Talk to your doctor before making major dietary changes.
