The way you shop while at the grocery store sets you up for healthy, happy eating, says TODAY nutritionist and FIRST contributor Joy Bauer, M.S., RDN. We all know that the supermarket can be an overwhelming place, and it is incredibly easy to get sidetracked by the plethora of delicious options. But, those tasty treats may be packing a mean, unhealthy punch, making Joy the perfect person to weigh in on tips and tricks.
Here, she shares her easy keys for supermarket success as part of our FIRST for Women Food Awards!
Grocery Store Tip: Map it out
Sit down on the weekend and plan out your meals and snacks for the week, Joy advises. Then do a quick kitchen inventory and make a list of the ingredients you need. Your meal plan doesn’t have to be set in stone, but having a road map will make shopping and cooking easier.
Grocery Store Tip: Comparison shop
Scope out product labels for the big three: sodium, sugar and saturated fat content, Joy says. When you’re choosing a salad dressing or pasta sauce, for instance, see which brand has less sodium. With foods like yogurt, check the grams of sugar and opt for the one with less.
Grocery Store Tip: Snack smarter
Try to stick to a two-snack limit, Joy suggests. “On each grocery trip, I put two snack foods in my cart. We know from research that the more snacks you have in the house, the more you’ll eat. By choosing your two favorites, you get to enjoy them and cut back on temptation.”
Grocery Store Tip: Make nutritious more delicious
There are easy ways to sneak extra nutrients into meals that also add great flavor, Joy says. She likes to buy canned pumpkin or sweet potato puree and add a dollop to taco meat, marinara sauce, soup and chili. “It blends right in, ups the nutrients and amps the flavor with a sweet, bold nuttiness,” she says. Another trick: When making mashed potatoes, Joy uses half potatoes and half cauliflower. “I cook them together and then mash and add milk, garlic, salt and pep- per. It tastes like creamy mashed potatoes and no one will ever know about the cauliflower!”
Grocery Store Tip: Take health shortcuts
Home cooking doesn’t have to mean 100 percent from scratch, Joy says. “I am all about convenience items to get dinner done fast.” Think rotisserie chicken, precut veggies, coleslaw mixes and shredded carrots. “They make life easier, and you don’t sacrifice health or taste.”
Our digital managing editor, Louisa Marshall, took Joy’s advice and headed to the grocery store armed with a mapped out plan and nutritious, yet delicious, tips in mind. Watch her experience below!