Many people have experienced this: intending to buy just one roll of paper, only to wander through the supermarket and end up filling their cart with everything in sight. Prevention magazine recently published an article where health experts help you break these "shopping bad habits" and teach you how to shop smartly.
1. Avoid "peak hours"
Dr. Michelle Davenport, a registered dietitian in Silicon Valley, explains that the more crowded the supermarket, the longer shoppers linger between aisles. This significantly increases the chance of pausing in front of unhealthy foods, ultimately leading to impulse purchases.
2. Prepare a shopping list
Joey Bauer, NBC's featured health expert and registered dietitian, says he always prepares a list before shopping. This not only prevents buying unnecessary items but also helps plan weekly meals to avoid weight gain.
3. Use baskets over carts
Dr. Michelle Davenport explains that shopping baskets or smaller carts force people to think twice before buying, reducing impulse purchases.Registered dietitian Keri Glassman suggests stocking up on easily storable healthy foods like large bags of almonds, peanuts, or other nuts. 5. Buy pre-cut fruit thoughtfully Keri Gans, RD, author of Small Changes, Big Results, notes that purchasing pre-cut fruit encourages quicker consumption, ensuring fresh fruit is eaten throughout the day.Additionally, Kerry Glassman advises prioritizing locally sourced produce, which not only ensures seasonal availability but also offers cost savings. Simpler ingredient lists are preferable. Jacqueline London, Senior Clinical Nutritionist at Mount Sinai Hospital, recommends selecting foods with minimal ingredients and additives, particularly avoiding those loaded with added sugars, fats, or preservatives.Registered dietitian Shelley Marie Redmond advises prioritizing high-fiber foods. 6. Save the Frozen Section for Last Once frozen foods leave the freezer, even if they're not fully thawed when brought home, refreezing can compromise their shelf life. Therefore, save the frozen section for the end of your grocery trip.Registered dietitian Mits Durand reminds shoppers that refrigerated fruits and vegetables are typically chilled quickly after harvest, preserving nutrients well and offering relative affordability—ideal for households that cook infrequently.