Best Time to Go Grocery Shopping for Weight Loss

Grocery Shopping for Weight Loss

Do you need to go grocery shopping but feel unprepared to face the endless crowds at peak hours? Or the multitude of products that seem so delicious and tasty but undoubtedly detrimental to your weight loss goals?

If that’s the case, we’re here to shed some light on when it’s the best time to go grocery shopping and still stick to your weight loss plans. So, prepare your shopping carts and set yourself up for success with these important tips for your future grocery trips.

After you’ve made a list – Grocery Shopping for Weight Loss

Grocery shopping can be a daunting and difficult task. Add the pressure of trying to lose weight and it becomes even more intimidating. That’s why it’s important to make a list beforehand and have a clear idea of the items you need to buy before stepping foot inside a supermarket.

Apart from being able to cover your meals for an entire week, a grocery list can also help you focus on purchasing only certain items instead of falling prey to marketing tricks that leave you out of your hard-earned dollars.

It’s also a good strategy to avoid going back to the store to purchase the items you most likely forgot to buy due to impulsively shopping other things you don’t really need.

Captain’s tip: Focus on staple ingredients first. These can be used in multiple ways and help you trim down to the healthy items.

After you’ve eaten

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but that’s only because it’s downright true. When you’re hungry, whatever you do, just don’t go to the supermarket! Hunger-fueled grocery shopping will only make you purchase anything you can get your hands on, especially junk food.

Instead of going back home with healthy and useful items, you end up with a cart filled to the brim with debatable amounts of chips, ice-cream and the like. Not to mention the ‘easy to grab’ candies, strategically placed at the checkout line.

Shopping with an appetite is the number one factor for impulse purchase. Not only will you seriously disturb your weight loss plan, but you will also end up with a sky-high bill.

Captain’s tip: Make sure you’ve had a decent meal prior to going grocery shopping. When you are full and content, you are less likely to deter from your plans and be tempted to buy unhealthy items.

Early in the morning

According to specialists, the best time to go grocery shopping and avoid the hustle and bustle is in the morning. First of all, produce, meat and bakery products are at their freshest and best in the early hours of the morning.

Secondly, morning shopping practically guarantees an easy to find parking spot and an undisturbed walk through the aisles in search of your desired products. Plus, you don’t have to fight anyone for the last piece of steak or fried chicken as if it were the last edible thing on Earth.

Grocery stores are usually very crowded during the week, between 4 p.m and 6 p.m. If you’re not able to head to the store right after it opens, you could also go for the late evening strategy. You can still avoid the bigger crowds but have less items to choose from.

Captain’s tip: Avoid the after-work rush hour by shopping first thing in the morning or after dinner. The lack of crowds makes grocery shopping less stressful and even enjoyable.