Saturday, June 27, 2009

AT THE GROCERY STORE

The nutrition tip in our newsletter this week is all about how to make the most of your grocery store experience. (If you haven't received it, download at AAYBootCamp.com.)

Being well-prepared, well-fed, and well-focused will not only help you make healthier choices, but will also save you both time and money.

A great way to be efficient with your shopping list is to keep a magnetic note pad on your refrigerator. As you cook & prepare your meals throughout the week, jot down any items that you notice you're starting to run low on. (Most of our members have a magnetic AAY! notepad. If you never got one, see Nar or Elaine.)

In addition to this notepad, you should also have a pre-printed sheet that lists all the staples you buy nearly every week. Make this sheet easy to find: keep it in your car, print it on colorful paper, laminate it, etc.

When it's time for your trip to the grocery store, just grab your pre-printed "staples" sheet and tear off the first page of your notepad. Follow your lists as if you have blinders on so that you don't get distracted by all the delicious-looking food that you don't want or need to buy.

Now it's your turn. Click on "comments" and post your suggestions for making your shopping trip easier, healthier or more convenient. Feel free to post questions as well.

2 comments:

  1. I have rediscovered a book from my childhood: Laurel's Kitchen. My copy's from the library, so it may not be the most up to date version, but I just love the recipes & nutrition advice in the book. The recipes are strictly vegetarian, but even though Diego & I aren't vegetarian, we really love a lot of the dishes and they fit our 'carb/fat/protein' balance needs very well. When I'm doing my Sunday evening shopping list, I choose 3 recipes to try or remake from the book & input them into my nutrition journal to save time during the week. Planning has made such a big difference for me! What are your favorite healthy cookbooks?

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  2. I try and go once week to the grocery store. I never buy things like chips/chocolate because I know I'll just end up eating it (usually in one sitting:). Because it's just me, It's probably easier than if I had a family but I stick to a few things that are healthy and easy to cook (b/c I hate cooking). Brown rice, lots of green veggies, and carrots to snack on... I think with eating, it's easier for me if I stick to a routine and keep eating the same meals. It might be too boring for some but it helps me stay on track. I look forward to the weekends when I usually do eat out (so there is a little bit of spontaneity in my diet).

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