Hey! It’s Joe Coach Martino and I have 5 healthy hacks that have to do with one of your weekly chores. They will save you time, money, and can even help you reach your goals!
Before I get into it, let me introduce myself if you don’t already know me. I’m Joseph Martino from The Motion Room, and I help people through healthy eating and expert training to lose weight and get healthy.
OK…so I’m going to skip the obvious tips, like making a list, shopping the perimeter of the store, and eating before you go grocery shopping so you don’t buy a bunch of extra stuff because you’re hungry.
Hack #1
Knowing what you already have is a big part of knowing what you need. It helps you to plan and avoid waste
This is something you can do before you hit the store—or even finalize your list.
It’s to open up your cupboards and fridge and check to see what you have on-hand…and also toss anything in your fridge that’s questionable. You already know you’re not going to eat it, and it’s just taking up valuable space, so get rid of it now.
Knowing what you already have is a big part of knowing what you need. It helps you be more intentional in your choices at the store and in the long run, helps you avoid waste.
It also can help you plan your meals so you can actually use what you already have!
Hack #2
Use a smaller cart if at all possible
It’s all about that valuable space. Using a smaller cart can help you avoid making impulse purchases because there’s less room in the cart.
Plus, this helps you keep track of what you’ve already bought. Do you see a colorful array of healthy foods, or is your cart packed with boxes and bags?
Hack #3
Be realistic about what you'll be able to use
Remember the food you tossed from your fridge? Did it include any veggies or other produce you didn’t get around to using before it went bad?
When you’re shopping for produce, you might actually think you’re going to use that giant container of kale… and you probably have great intentions for it…but will you really use it?
This hack is to buy only what you really need, vs. what you aspire to need. So if you always have leftover produce, buy the smaller bag or buy fewer of whatever item it is.
Hack #4
Know where to look and don't get sucked in
This one is about being an informed buyer. Don’t look at the end caps of the aisles. Just motor on by them. That’s where the most tempting sales items are located, like potato chips, snack foods, and processed foods.
You don’t need them! Plus, they probably aren’t in line with your fitness or wellness goals.
Also, continuing this hack, when you are shopping the aisles, keep in mind that you are being marketed to every minute you are in the store! The items they want you to buy are on the centre shelves, at your eye-level.
You usually can find less expensive and often healthier options on the shelves above and below your eye-level.
Hack #5
Pay for your groceries with cash
This one might be the most effective way ever to stick to your list! It’s to pay for your groceries with cash.
Not your debit card or a check. Plain, old-fashioned cash. Paying with cash automatically sets a limit on how much you can buy because you can only spend the amount you have on-hand.
This can help you set priorities for which items you choose. All those impulse buys and extras add up fast. Plus, there’s something more palpable about actually forking over your hard-earned cash than simply swiping your debit card! It seems more real.
Goal oriented meal planning help is here
I hope these hacks help streamline your grocery trip and help you reach your goals!
For more great ideas before you hit the grocery store, check out our. Protein-Packed Breakfasts Recipe Guide. It includes recipes and ideas for starting your day off right. This is a great place to start planning for your next week’s shop
Talk to you again soon!
