Like we always say, it’s a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Healthy eating and healthy living is not something you start and stop. It’s a habit you have to maintain. You know how good things require maintenance? That’s the same for healthy living.

In order to maintain this lifestyle we have to make changes to different aspects of our lives, starting with what we eat. Food is the most important aspect when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. The change you wants starts with what you’re putting into your body. What are you fueling your body with? Is it healthy? When you go food shopping , do you make a conscious effort to go for the healthy food options? Or you just fill your basket with whatever without taking note of the nutritional content.

Living a healthy lifestyle means you have to be intentional about your grocery shopping. Yes! You have to plan for it and make sure you make the best choices on your trip. How do you do this?

• What’s on the food menu for the week; Here at April Laugh, we are advocates of meal prepping. We believe you should prep your meals in order to stay on track and make your journey easier. This way there are less chances of last minute unhealthy options. So plan out your menu for the week, and that’s what will help us determine what to shop for.
• Make a check list; What do you need to get? Put everything down bearing in mind that what you need is different from what you want. Make sure to put down the staples. Your fruits, proteins, veggies, carbs and fats. What are the ingredients you need to prepare your food based on your menu for the week? Write them down! How about your snacks, can’t forget that now can we! Write everything down.
• Calculate how much it totals to and then add just a little more; Guys, this is important. When you have more money than you need, you tend to spend more than you need! Do not carry excess money to the store, go with what you need and add a little more just to be safe. When you go with the exact money you need to shop for what’s on your list you won’t have spare change to buy what you don’t need.

• Go shopping when it’s not rush hour; When you go to the market at a time when it’s not so busy, you have the luxury of taking your time and observing all you need to get. Look at those labels go for the low fat, less sugar and overall healthier options. Observe your fruits and veggies and go for the fresh ones, ask questions and understand what you’re buying, check the dates and just take your time. What’s the rush?

These tips should help you successfully shop for the week. As long as you stick to them, you’re good to go.