Mindful shopping, Mindful living

I’m sure you’ve heard the advice to not go grocery shopping when you’re hungry or stick to the outer aisles of the store. There is some truth to these! It’s important to shop prepared vs on a whim. I always tell my clients to make a shopping list and stick to it. Each week, as you are meal planning and writing out your list, think about the healthy person you are becoming. What does she eat? What are some new food items you could try or food swaps for healthier versions of meals you already like. Instead of thinking about all of the foods you want to get rid of in your diet, ask what foods you would like to add in and start incorporating more of those. Add these foods to your shopping list first! If you can, take your time at the store and use those opportunities to learn about “new to you” products or produce items. Read the labels not for the numbers but rather the ingredients. Stock your pantry with items that have real, whole ingredients. Look for words you recognize or can actually pronounce. Avoid “natural flavors” and “artificial flavors”, terms that don’t actually explain what this product is made of. Another one to avoid is Red Dye 40 which goes by many names.. Now, I could write an entire post about this one and maybe one day I will but it is now linked to ADHD and many other health concerns. The important thing is to start small, don’t get overwhelmed. Baby steps are where the lasting changes will happen. Remember, if food is accessible in the house, you will probably consume it. So, make sure what you are filling your refrigerator and pantry with are good, whole foods. I try to wash and cut up all of my fruits and veggies for the week as soon as I get home from the store. I am much more likely to snack on these if I can grab and go instead of taking the time to cut them up when I’m in a rush. I also try to meal prep as much as possible because I know that as I get busier throughout the week I will want the quickest and healthiest options. If you need help meal planning and coming up with a solid grocery list, reach out! I’m here to help. Let me know if any of these tips helped you in your shopping this week. - CS