We all know how to shop for groceries, right? Go to the store. Pick food. Pay. Leave. But that’s not the healthiest or most budget-friendly way to get your groceries taken care of. By learning how to shop better, and buy healthier foods, you’ll not only increase the longevity of your paycheck; you’ll increase your life span, as well.

3 Tips Next Time You Go Shopping

Shop Around the Aisles, Not in Them:

• You’ll notice that around the aisles in almost every supermarket you’ll find fresh produce, meat, cheeses, breads, and other good-for-you foods. In the aisles, however, you’ll find boxed, hormone-grown, nutrient-leeched, preservative-full items. Stick to the outside. Buy fresh frozen fruits and veggies instead of canned. Don’t buy pre-sliced, pre-packaged lunch meat; go to the deli counter and get it fresh.

Don’t Shop on an Empty Stomach:

• Make sure you’re not hungry when you go on a shopping adventure. That way you won’t be tempted to buy food you don’t need, or that isn’t healthy for you. This will also help to save a lot of money, because you’ll be spending it only on food you need.

Make a List:

• Plan your meals for a week or two. Then make a list of items you will need. Then use the list! If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it (unless of course you need it—need being the key word).

At first, you may see your grocery expenses increase a little. But in the long run, eating healthier food keeps you full longer, which means you eat less, which means you buy less food. Plus, you’ll live longer!

Won’t it be a good feeling to know you’re saving money and becoming a healthier person each time you walk into the supermarket? What are your tips?