(NAPSA)-Supermarket
superstores offer endless aisles of food choices, with more than 30,000 food
products filling the shelves of more than 34,000 grocery stores in the U.S.,
according to the Food Marketing Institute.
"A planned trip to the
supermarket can help shoppers make smarter choices and save time," says
Leslie Fink, M.S., R.D., a nutritionist at WeightWatchers.com. "What ends up
in your shopping cart ends up in your mouth all week long. If you want to
eat healthy, you've got to shop smart."
In cooperation with
Supermarket Guru(r) Phil Lempert, Weight Watchers(r) has created a Smart
Supermarket Shopping Guide with tips to make smart choices and save you time
in your weekly shopping visits. A few of the best suggestions follow.
Healthy Eating Is In
The Bag
Plan ahead.
As the saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Think about
your schedule for the week and the time you will have to prepare and to eat
meals. Advance planning generally leads to wise food choices. If you have a
few nutritious dishes mapped out for the week, you are more likely to stay
focused and save time while shopping.
Create a list.
After planning your seven-day menu, check your pantry and fridge to take
inventory of what you need. Always add a variety of fresh fruits and
vegetables for side dishes and snacks, and include great tasting treats you
can enjoy without feeling guilty.
Don't forget the
staples. Milk, eggs, juice,
cereal, bread and yogurt. These basic food items are a good place to
increase fiber and nutrition without increasing calories or fat. Opt for
low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and choose from a variety of grains
including whole grains.
Organize your list
and map out your shopping route.
To get through the supermarket quickly, organize your list according to the
store layout. Be sure to shop the interior first for paper goods; cleaning
products; packaged foods (canned, boxed and jarred); beverages; pasta, rice
and cereal; condiments; and health and beauty aids. Then continue your
shopping around the perimeter of the store to pick up the more perishable
items on your list such as frozen foods; fruits and vegetables; meats;
breads; and dairy.
Purchase only the
items on your shopping list.
Resist impulse purchases, which tend to be high-fat and high-calorie.
However, we all fall prey to impulse shopping, and if you deny yourself you
will wind up spending even more. Allow yourself three impulse items and
write them down as you buy them, that way you will feel satisfied and still
stay on budget.
Eat before
you shop.
Never go to the supermarket with an empty stomach. You are likely to end up
with more food than you need and more fattening selections.
