I have been compensated by Glucerna for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.Talk with your health care provider about a diabetes management plan that’s right for you. #GlucernaHungerSmart #CollectiveBias

I’ve not been shy about my health issues, which is probably a big reason that most of you are here and reading my posts! When I reported that my doctor told me that I was Pre-Diabetic, I was so embarrassed and really searching for something to help me balance out my life and get my health back on track. There’s no way I want to push into full-fledged Type 2 diabetes, so I’ve found that living by a “diabetic diet” really is the most effective way to not only live with the Pre-Diabetes, but to actually start the reversal.

Something I’ve found that really helps me in staying on track is getting geared up for the grocery shop. I LOVE to grocery shop, much to my husband’s despise, but since I love to cook, it’s kind of a wonderland in there. Luckily, I can get all the great, nourishing things my body needs to become more healthy! What really stinks is that right there under your nose are so many products that either claim to be GOOD for you that are packed with sugar us DIA-babes don’t need, or are just plain horrible for you/the most delectable things ever.

Below, I will share my 4 Steps for a Successful Grocery Trip, and even give you a cutesy printable to help keep you on track at the grocery store!

Go in with a plan! If you fail to plan, you plan to fail! Take a list with you that details the things that you want to get. Maybe even go as far as making a menu for the next week or so and only buying the things you need for that menu! I know this works very well for me, but I still spend forever and a day picking things out! If you don’t have a list, you could at least follow a guideline. (I made one for you to print out here: Diabetic Grocery Guide!)
 

Shop the perimeter! You have probably heard this a million times, but if you stay on the outsides, you will likely hit dairy, meats, and produce and skip over the sugary, carby monsters in the middle! Of course, there will be some things you will need to go in the middle for, but make it a habit to shop around the perimeter instead of shopping from each aisle.
 

Be true to yourself! You can get caught up in the world of fresh foods and trying new things, get home, and waste a lot of time and money by not using the things you’re buying. (I get into this trap far too often!) Definitely try new things, just in smaller quantities. You will have to go to the grocery store for the rest of your life, so don’t think you must try all the new things at once!
 
 

Check the labels! Be sure you’re not buying things with tons of hidden sugars even though they are the “healthy” version. Make sure your protein is off-setting your carbs! Also, don’t forget to check the “Diabetic” section that sells snacks or shakes. I love the Glucerna® products, especially the Hunger Smart™ Shakes. They come in vanilla and chocolate, and are a great way to stick to your weight loss goals, even if you’re on the run.

You can purchase Glucerna® Hunger Smart™ Shakes at Walmart, which is where I do a big bulk of my grocery shopping anyway. I think it’s a good idea to have some handy breakfasts, and this one happens to be delicious, touts 15 grams of protein (!!!), is an excellent source of 25 vitamins and minerals, and contains CARBSTEADY^®, which allows carbs to be released slowly over time and prevents blood sugar spikes. When you have diabetes, steady is exciting! That’s why it’s so nice to have an easy win with these shakes- managing blood sugar can be hard!

I hope you’ve found this post helpful! Again, be sure to check out my FREE printable, for a Diabetic Grocery Guide!