Cooking is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your family eat healthfully. However before you even turn on the stove you need to have the fresh ingredients in your fridge. Shopping for these ingredients can be a fun excursion of finding healthful foods and getting great deals, or can be an expensive nightmare full of empty calories, it’s up to you.

Before even stepping foot in the grocery store, be sure you have a plan so you are not buying junk food and other purchases willy-nilly because you have to get in and get out and don’t have time to think about what you really need. The best way to execute your plan is to go to the grocery store at off peak times, like early in the morning, or late at night. In this world of 24-hour grocery stores, there is ample opportunity to go during off peak times. Fewer people bustling and bumping into you can make for a much more enjoyable experience. You may also have first dibs on the fresh produce; next time you are at the store, ask what day and time produce is delivered. If delivered late on Tuesday night, either go then or early (before work) on Wednesday morning.

Healthful eating begins with healthful cooking and healthful cooking begins with great ingredients so be sure to fill your cart with fruits and vegetables, spices, herbs, while grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein.