As part of my work as a journey coach, I love to take a client shopping for food. First, we make sure they have a good food scale. Then we talk nutrition.

Now, I am not a nutritionist, I am a journey coach. But part of the weight loss journey is understanding nutrition, so there is no way around it. I was obsessed with food. Now I am obsessed with nutrition.

Remember to first Know Your Experts. Please contact a physician and a dietitian early in your weight loss journey.

We can start in the beverage aisle. Sugary drinks are going to catch up to you. If your doctor wants you to reduce sodium, then diet pop is out. Migraines a problem, then we are on the wrong aisle. Water is your friend.

Now to dairy. As my dietitian likes to say, why drink your calories? Digestion a problem, let’s talk yogurt. On a Keto diet, let’s talk cheese.

There’s the deli section. Watch out for those processed meats. Loaded with sodium. We can teach you how much sodium is okay and how much is a deal breaker.

Want potato chips and popcorn? Sure. Just make them at home. Processed stuff will kill you with oil and sodium.

Nuts! I love nuts. Watch your serving sizes.

Soup aisle? Make your own.

Peanut butter? Let’s talk pros and cons of the regular versus “natural” stuff.

Cereal? There are maybe two I would recommend.

Canned meat? Remember the sodium if you are counting that. Otherwise, some healthy options here, as long as you stay away from spam and Vienna sausages.

Condiments? Remember sodium and serving sizes. What do you mean you hate me? Mustard is your friend.

Bread! Again, there are two I recommend. Let’s talk about why.

Frozen foods. Love the fruit and unprocessed veggies. Watch out for those dinners, lots of sodium. Are you really getting the micro-nutrients you need? Hey, that has a lot of potassium, excellent choice.

Ice cream? Freeze some bananas. Make a smoothie if you must, no sugar added.

Produce! We found my home. Very few landlines here as long as you avoid the processed stuff.

Whew! Did you have fun? Seriously, you really hate me?

You got this!

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV

If you would like to go shopping with me, just sign up for a journey together. More on that here – Journey Coach