Practical Tips for Smart Shopping and Meal Prep
Making healthy eating a consistent part of your routine is easier with a few simple strategies. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Become a Label Detective. The front of a package tells you what the company wants you to think. The nutrition facts label on the back tells you the truth. Pay close attention to the “Added Sugars” line. This will help you identify many of the hidden sugar foods for diabetics over 55. Also, scan the ingredients list. If sugar, corn syrup, or any word ending in “-ose” (like dextrose or fructose) is one of the first few ingredients, it’s best to put it back on the shelf.
2. Cook in Batches. When you have the energy, cook a little extra. Make a large pot of quinoa, roast a big pan of vegetables, or grill a few extra chicken breasts. Store these components in containers in your refrigerator. This way, when you’re tired or not in the mood to cook, you can easily assemble a healthy, balanced meal in minutes instead of reaching for a less healthy convenience food.
3. Shop the Perimeter. The outer aisles of most grocery stores are where you’ll find the whole, unprocessed foods—fresh produce, lean meats and fish, dairy, and eggs. The inner aisles are typically home to the packaged, processed foods that often contain those hidden sugars and refined carbohydrates. By spending most of your shopping time on the perimeter, you’ll naturally fill your cart with healthier choices.
