Here are some tips for how you can make healthier choices in the store:
Pay attention to nutrition facts labels on low-fat, low-calorie packaged goods because they often contain artificial sweeteners or chemical preservatives.
Read the ingredient lists on food packages carefully. If you are not familiar with what some of the ingredients are, or if they sound like a foreign language to you, add the product to your list of things to ask your family doctor about.
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the healthiest foods can be found at your local farmers’ market or even from an acquaintance who sells them on their front lawn.
Check the nutrition facts label on fresh produce. Make sure it is a product you want to eat. Some fruits and vegetables can be very high in salt, sugar or fat.
Scan the inside of your refrigerator for hidden ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces and salad dressings.
The little extras may add up to a lot of extra fat, calories and sugar.
Check the ingredients list on canned foods and compare those to the contents list on fresh produce.
Look on the center of your grocery store shelves for meat that is not pre-packaged or processed.