Planning meals will become a central part of your weight loss plan… But you might have a hard time sticking to those plans if you don’t stock your kitchen. Grocery shopping is fun for a few people, but most of us view it as an obnoxious chore. These tips can help you accomplish the task, stock your kitchen with healthy foods, and prevent excessive return trips.

Make a plan. Yes, it’s a bit more trouble, but making a plan is worth it. Schedule a week’s worth of meals ahead of time, make a list, and stick to the list once you get into the store. If you plan everything efficiently, you won’t have to go back to the store for another week. As a bonus, planning things this way means that you can choose the least crowded day and time for your shopping.

Fill up your cart with seasonal produce. By planning your meals around seasonal produce, you won’t just be eating a healthier diet. In-season produce is almost always more affordable, making shopping trips more manageable. And remember, if you’re short on time for cooking, it’s okay to rely on pre-chopped fruits and veggies.

Stock up on proteins. Keep some easy proteins on hand for snacking, or adding to salads and soups. Pick up a few cans of black beans, some string cheese, a few yogurts, and other favorites.

Don’t forget herbs and spices. A well-stocked spice cabinet, along with a few basics like olive oil, help you add instant flavor to any dish. And we know that when you enjoy your food, you’re more likely to stick to a weight loss plan.

Hydrate, and don’t shop when hungry. Plan your shopping trips for a time when you’re not feeling ravenously hungry, and remember to keep your water bottle handy. If you get thirsty while shopping it can be easy to mistake those cues for hunger… And hungry shoppers often toss unnecessary snack foods into their carts!

Skip the middle aisles. Most grocery stores are arranged very conveniently for the health-conscious, if you know their secrets. Most of your shopping should be conducted along the outside of the store, in the produce section, dairy section, and meat department. You might need to venture down a few aisles for items like dried beans, rice, or quinoa to add to meals, but you can completely skip the aisles featuring candy and packaged snack foods.

These tips can get you started each week, but give us a call if you need help planning your meals. We can teach you about a weight loss plan that brings real and lasting results.