If we want to lose weight or get healthier, then we need to make specific lifestyle changes. Since we have the most control over the foods stored in our home, our food shopping habits are essential to the success of our weight loss goals. Small tweaks can make a big difference in the outcome. Below are some great tips to make sure you get the most from your weekly shop!

Plan your meals for the week. Not only does this take the stress out of wondering what is for dinner, but it also means your meals are likely to be more balanced, filling and cost-effective!

Shop with a list. If we got to the shops without a list, we are more likely to overspend by buying things they don't want and don't need. A considerable amount of food waste is a result of not planning. The list will only work if you use it! The list is no good screwed up in your pocket or at the bottom of your bag!

Don't shop when you are tired, hungry, lonely, bored or upset. When we are emotional, we often get enticed into buying things that we believe will make us feel better. It's certainly not good for the waistline nor is it any good for our purse! Sugary and fatty foods become very tempting, as does that bottle of wine or two!

Don't buy just because it's on offer. A deal is not a deal if you don't need it! We can easily get caught up in the buy two get one free scenario.  Often this leads to eating something we didn't want or need, worse still it may get binned because we didn't use it. Only buy items on sale when it's something that is on your shopping list.

Shop alone. Many people find that when they go shopping with a partner, children or a friend, they spend more. Extras appear in the trolley as if by magic and all those good deeds go out of the window. They can encourage us to buy foods that we don't want or need.

Shop at the right time. When we go shopping when we are tired, stressed or up against the clock then we look for quick fixes, more processed foods, less good value products and less fresh foods. Choosing a time of day that gives you time to concentrate on the job in hand is crucial.

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