Do you shop smart at the supermarket? Or are you more concerned with finding the best deals? Everyone is looking for a way to save money. One of the common targets that people have is the supermarket. When people go grocery shopping, they often spend time beforehand clipping coupons and researching the internet to see what kind of places have the best deals available.
While it is good to try to remain under budget, shopping smart at the supermarket involves more than just saving money. It is vital to ensure that the foods that people go home with are healthy as well. There are a few tips and tricks that people should remember to ensure that they are a smart shopper, not only getting great deals, but healthy meals at the same time.
The Perimeter Should be Home
All grocery stores are laid out in a certain manner. When people enter the store, they often go right down the middle. These aisles catch the eyes first and grocery stores make their money here. Unfortunately, the center is also the home of all of the junk foods. Chips, pretzels, candy, and sugary beverages lurk in this area. Since many people are impulse buyers, this is where people lose out on health options.
Instead of going down the middle, stick to the outer edges. Try to spend the most time around the fruits and vegetables. Choose an array of produce to ensure that all of the vitamins and minerals are accounted for. The perimeter is also home to dairy and meat. Iron and calcium can be found here so be sure to stock up on healthy options.
Shop Smart: Read the Labels
There is a reason why the labels are often hidden on the back of the products. People see an attractive label with a low price and toss it in the cart without thinking. Turn the product to the back and read the ingredients. People might be shocked to learn that a regular bottle of soda can have over 50 grams of sugar. If people would read the labels, they might think twice. Furthermore, read the ingredients at the bottom. Foods with loads of artifical dyes and sweeteners should be avoided.
Pick a Smaller Cart While Shopping
People rarely fill up their entire shopping cart with food and often fill in the open slots in their cart with junk food. If people would go in with a smaller cart, they would be less likely to snag junk food at the end because their cart would look full. By going with a smaller cart, people will only grab what they truly need. This is going to lead to more healthy choices and fewer junk foods.
Ultimately, these are only a few of the many different factors that people should keep in mind when grocery shopping. Other ideas that people should think about include expiration dates, allergies, and the place of origin of the produce that they purchase. Thinking about health prior to grocery shopping will allow a family to plan ahead, helping to expedite the grocery shopping process. Considering cost is a good idea when grocery shopping; however, health is always more important.