Some tips for making smart nutrition choices at the grocery store include making a list beforehand, focusing on whole foods, reading nutrition labels, and avoiding processed foods as much as possible.

When reading nutrition labels, it’s important to look at the serving size, calories, and the amount of fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and protein. It’s also helpful to pay attention to the ingredients list and avoid products with added sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Some good whole food options to add to your grocery list include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and beans, and healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and seeds.

To avoid purchasing processed foods at the grocery store, stick to the outer perimeter of the store where the fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items are located. Avoid aisles with packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and high-sodium canned goods. Also, try to cook meals at home using fresh ingredients as much as possible.

It’s best to avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. These include processed snacks like chips and cookies, sugary drinks, and fast food. It’s also important to limit your intake of red and processed meats and to choose lean protein sources instead.