How To Guarantee a Successful Shopping Day

Welcome to Day #14 of PureFormulas’ Sugar Crush Challenge: 30 days of tips, recipes, and tools to help you cut down on sugar and crush those cravings!

Now that you have your shopping list ready to go, the next step is actually picking up your groceries. Some people love this part! Imagine all the possibilities…Walking aisle by aisle and checking everything that is new. On the other hand, others might not be such a fan and the idea may sound less appealing than a visit to the dentist (I love dentists by the way, my mother is a dentist).

Whether you love it or strongly dislike the experience, here are some tips to make your shopping day a successful one!

1. Check your pantry and fridge

Before leaving the house make sure to take a quick glance around your kitchen for any last minute additions to the list.

2. Make sure to always go grocery shopping on a full stomach

It will be a lot easier to “just say no” to your favorite treats if you’re not hungry.

3. Focus your shopping attention on the peripheral aisles

This is where the stores usually keep their fruits, veggies, eggs, and dairy (or dairy substitute). Think of this section as your green to go section. Although at times this is associated with being the “pricey” section, filling up your cart with these goodies will take you one step closer to eating fresh and nutrient dense foods, not to mention leaving less room for processed foods.

4. Look for fruits and veggies that are in season

This will help guarantee tastier deals that your taste buds and pockets will love!

5. Visit the interior aisles with caution

After your cart is filled with the good stuff, visit the interior aisles to make sure you are not forgetting any essentials. Although this is where you’ll find some great additions to your cart such as healthy oils, beans, and more, usually these aisles mix up the healthy with the not-so-healthy. I like to think of this section as the yellow “travel with caution” section. Be on the look out for products that are only advertised as healthy. This is where reading labels will help you determine what should go in your cart.

6. Look away while crossing the red hazardous sections

Somewhere in the middle you will find your treats section. This is the red hazardous section. I’m not saying to never have another cookie in your life, but remember “out of sight, out of mind.” Don’t have these treats at home in case of an emergency because they will most likely not make it to the emergency. Instead, when you are craving a treat, go to the store and get it. This is a great technique because the thought of having to leave the house to buy a cookie, might give just enough time for the craving to go away.

7. Use coupons only when the item is in your list

Lastly, we all love a good deal! Sales and coupons are a great way to save a buck – except when that’s not what you needed to purchase, so be wise when using coupons!

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