Healthy eating starts with healthy shopping. These tips can keep individuals on track while grocery shopping and moving towards a healthier lifestyle. 

Be successful by planning in advance of shopping. Make a list and stick to it. Take a few minutes to plan out meals for the week and always create a shopping list before heading to the grocery store to avoid getting sidetracked.

Never shop hungry. Science demonstrates that shopping on an empty stomach propels shoppers to purchase way more than needed and make less healthy decisions.

Shop the perimeter of the store first. Spending most of the time in the produce section will ensure the selection of fresh, unprocessed wholefoods including leafy greens, vegetables and fresh fruits. Aim to fill the cart with at least 50 percent% fresh produce, if not more. Make sure to grab whole grains, nut butters beans, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well.

Read ingredient and nutrition labels. If it isn’t pronounceable, don’t buy it. Avoid items with high sodium, dyes, harmful additives and preservatives, trans fats or hydrogenated oils, added sugar of any kind, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners, MSG and refined grains.

Try new things. Explore new, innovative recipes and incorporate a variety of fresh fruits and veggies to prevent boredom.

Lisa Brown is a plant-based chef, educator and owner of Free Flowing Health. For a free consultation and more information, call 646-642-0083 or visit FreeFlowingHealth.com.