Making improvements to our diet and eating habits is a shared goal for many people entering the new year, whether the goal is to sculpt your physique, improve digestion, incorporate more whole foods, or simply feel better during the day. To help you get started, here are Driven’s top 5 tips for successful grocery shopping this year.
1. Start with a plan.
This step is critical to ensuring you stay on track. Creating a grocery list that aligns with your fitness and diet goals begins by understanding the macronutrient intake needed for your goals. You can use a free online macro calculator to find yours. From this, you can create a grocery list that prioritizes protein and a balance of carbs and fats to support your personal health goals.
2. Find meals that will be enjoyable and easy to make.
There are numerous online recipes, like 2-3 ingredient crockpot chicken meals or sheet pan oven-baked dishes, that require minimal preparation and can be easily adjusted to meet your macronutrient goals. They're also an easy way to tackle meal prepping in advance. Choose 4-5 meals that fit into your schedule with 1-2 protein sources.
3. Shop the outer perimeter of the grocery store.
This is where you'll find whole foods like nutrient-packed fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of meats (lean beef, chicken, fish), and protein-rich options such as yogurt, eggs, and egg whites. Once you've stocked up on these essentials, hit the inner aisles for staple items like rice, beans, lentils, frozen fruits and veggies, olive oil, nuts, and pantry staples like seasonings and spices to add flavor to your meals.
4. Don’t shop hungry!
Going to the grocery store hungry, especially after an intense WOD or exercise, can lead to impulsive purchases and reaching for sugary options due to post-exercise depletion. Add a scoop of PostWOD to your shaker if you're shopping after the gym or have a quick shake made with your protein of choice if you’re in between meals.
5. Stick to it!
Consistency is key with any diet and nutrition goal. Seeing the physical changes can take time, but knowing you’re fueling your body properly and making a positive impact on your longevity is something you can enjoy immediately!
Stick to your plan and the long-term benefits will follow.
