An array of food choices can really mess with your weight loss efforts.

Do you feel confused about what is really a healthy option when you go to the supermarket? If so, you are not alone. With over 47,000 products in the average supermarket, complete aisles dedicated to one genre, and “buzz” words all over the packaging to grab your attention, it’s no wonder it seems hard to know where to start!

So how do you plow through so many options in order to choose one that is healthier for you?

If this feels like a huge maze that you would rather not start to explore, I encourage you to think differently.

I remember when I first started out on the path of wanting to lose weight naturally. It did seem like a lot to absorb, but as I often say, think of it in terms of progression and not perfection. If you have a lot of weight that you want to lose naturally, just set the intention to do it, and let real foods do the rest. Don’t focus on the weight loss so much. Start to notice how much better you feel.

Our bodies know what to do with foods that are not artificial and full of chemicals. Focusing on losing a number of pounds could be what prevents you from moving ahead. I’ve been there too, but please, don’t let that be you!

Ask yourself what you tend to gravitate more towards? Is it potato chips, chocolate, prepared foods, etc? I never tell my clients what to eat or what not to eat, but rather how to select healthier versions of what they enjoy. Isn’t that refreshing? In addition, as you start to feel better and have more energy, you will naturally want more of the “good stuff”, so that less healthy options start to fade away.

3 Shopping Tips for Natural Weight Loss and a Holistic Diet Free Lifestyle

1. Read the labels – I know this may sound like a no-brainer, but it is not obvious to everyone. This is in part due to not really understanding what to look for and being in a hurry to get in and out of the store! Please factor in some time during your grocery shopping trip to read about what you are buying and ultimately putting into your body. I remember the days of when I used to “grab and go”! Not anymore and it has done wonders for me. It’s not enough to just read the front of the package. Read the ingredient list and the nutritional content panel. If the ingredient list is long, and has words you find hard to pronounce, move onto another product. Reading labels is a great place to start your path to improved health and natural weight loss.

2. Eat healthy fat – This is a subject that many find very confusing. The body needs fat in order to burn fat. The fat I am referencing are things like avocados, nuts such as walnuts, and virgin unrefined coconut oil. These are all plant based saturated fats that are healthy. Fat is a macro-nutrient (just like carbohydrates and proteins), and is necessary for vibrant health. I used to buy items that said “fat free or low fat” … not anymore!

3.  Eat locally grown food – Choosing local, fresh produce is a win-win. You support your local farmer and also your health and weight loss goals. The majority of my shopping cart is full of locally grown vegetables, especially in the summer months. I always start at the produce section and then work around the store from there. Actually, I haven’t shopped in a regular supermarket now for many years! I go to a 400 acre farm that has a health food store on the property. It’s such a wonderful experience. I always advocate eating organic, but start with whatever you can.

I always feel completely satisfied physically, emotionally and mentally with my food choices. You can too.