The grocery store can be a scary place when you’re trying your best to eat healthy and live a healthier lifestyle. Cakes loaded with colorful icing whisper your name, sweet candies tease your taste buds and the creamy double chocolate fudge ice cream is just waiting for you to put her in your cart.

Well I might be exaggerating a bit, but my point is clear. You spend way too much time picking out the wrong foods when you go shopping for groceries.

Here are a couple helpful tips to help you stay on track and make your grocery shopping adventures super easy.

1. Never go shopping when you’re hungry

Have you ever noticed that whenever you’re hungry you tend not to think about what you put into your mouth?

The same thing applies when you go grocery shopping. If you’re hungry you’ll be more likely to pick up foods that contain high fat, sugar, and salts. Why? Because when you’re hungry you don’t care what you eat…just as long as you satisfy your hunger.

2. Always make a list

To become a healthy shopper it’s important for you to make a list beforehand. Think of it like going to war. Would you go to war with a broomstick? Of course not! Your enemies would point and laugh at you and have you running for the hills in a matter of seconds. Now if you went to war with your army of 5000 people, tanks, fighter jets and all the bells and whistles, do you think you’ll have a better chance of defeating your enemies?

I think so!

If you plan what you need to buy, you’ll be less likely to fall into enemy territory (cakes, ice creams, chips, dips etc).

Heck you’ll even save some time since you know exactly what you need to buy.

Its’ a win-win situation.

3. How To Choose The Good Stuff

To be successful in losing weight you want to spend some time in the dairy area. Studies show that eating 3 servings of low fat dairy a day will help you lose body fat especially in your mid section.

Be sure to read the labels on them cause many of the non-fat, low fat foods add extra taste and extra sugar, which means added calories.

Omega 3 eggs are a great way to increase your essential oils and protect your heart. You can even try some of the substitute eggs if you’re controlling your calories.

Before, if you gave up butter – you gave up the flavor. But not any more, there are new trans fat free spreads that have plant sterols, which brings down your bad cholesterol and decreases your calories.

A key spot in the grocery store is the whole grain section. Make sure when you’re choosing breads that “whole grain” or “whole wheat” is listed first on the list of ingredient.

The same rule applies to the cereal and cracker aisle, but here you’ll need to read the ingredients more carefully.  Many of them still have trans fat, high fat content and tons of sugar.

You can’t really go wrong in the produce section. Everything is good for you so stock up on fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs.

What about chips, dips and nuts and ice cream you ask?

Go for the light choices with around 100 calories and 3 grams of fat for half cup serving.

Here’s a little secret if you crave the crunch and saltiness of chips. Find a lower fat chip that has some crunch and flavor, generally the best tasting products 1.5 – 3 grams of fat per ounce.

It’s true that nuts are high in fat and calories but evidence shows that eating 1.5 ounces a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. That’s a little more than a quarter cup a day, which makes for a smart and yummy snack.

And there you go those tips alone will help you become a better, healthier grocery shopper. If you have some of your own personal tips, that have worked for you share them below in the comments section.