A trip to the grocery store is sometimes challenging when you have diabetes. Going to the grocery does not have to be a dreaded task. Follow these tips to make grocery shopping a snap.

Do Not Go Grocery Shopping When You are Hungry

Go to the store hungry and you are more likely to make impulse purchases, such as packaged baked goods, chips, or soda.

Eat a healthy meal before you go to the grocery and avoid the risk of buying unhealthy foods.

Make a List

Make a list before you leave home. When you do not make a list, you risk making unhealthy impulse purchases.

Shop the Perimeter First

Many sources stress the importance of shopping the outer perimeter of the store first. The outer perimeter is where you typically find the produce section, the whole grains, and healthy meats and fish. Work your way to the center aisles and buy only the healthy canned and frozen foods.

Plan Your Meals

When you plan your meals for the week, you are less likely to make impulse purchases or to buy unhealthy canned or processed foods. Know the ingredients needed for your meals and shop for those items.

Read Labels

It takes time to read labels at the grocery store, but consider the rewards. Do not be fooled by labels such as “low fat.”  It may be low in fat, but likely has more sugar than the regular item. “ Healthy” frozen dinners are often laden with sodium. Low calories does not mean low carbs.

Buy Fresh

Buy fresh veggies and fruits. Canned and frozen foods often contain unhealthy amounts of added sugars, fats, and sodium.