If you are on a weight loss program of any kind grocery shopping can be a very difficult task. Many food packets mislead you with claims of low fat and neglect to inform you that they are still high in calories and sugar. In this article provide some helpful hints to make sure you pick up the right foods on your next shopping trip.
1) ALWAYS CHECK THE CALORIES:- Just because it says ‘low in sugar’ does not mean the product is low in fat or low in calories. The main thing you want to know when purchasing groceries is how many calories they contain. Foods that are low in fats or sugars but high in calories will sabotage your weight loss efforts. Therefore, when you are next out grocery shopping check the calories on all the foods you buy and make sure they are in line with your target daily caloric intake.
2) AVOID ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES AND SWEETENERS:- Many modern foods contain artificial preservatives and sweeteners to improve food flavour or appearance. They include aspartame, saccharin and stevia. These artificial preservatives and sweeteners can make you gain weight rapidly and should be avoided where possible.
3) AVOID SODIUM RICH FOODS:- It has been well documented that sodium (salt) is harmful to your health. Sodium rich foods make you feel bloated and can make you retain excessive amounts of water. If you want to lose weight and improve your health you need to monitor the levels of sodium in your food and try to keep your intake as low as possible.
4) BUY POTASSIUM RICH FOODS:- Bananas, avocados and apricots are all rich in potassium. Potassium can help flush sodium from your cells and is a particularly important mineral for those trying to lose weight.
Modern foods with their additional ingredients and misleading packageing can turn grocery shopping into a potential minefield for those trying to lose weight. However, as long as you check food packageing carefully you will leave the store with the right foods for your weight loss plan. I hope these four tips help you pick the best foods on your next shopping trip.