Holiday grocery shopping can feel overwhelming ... crowded aisles, endless options, and temptations at every turn. And whether we love it or not, what ends up in our cart plays a huge role in the results we see.
People who consistently shop with intention tend to stay on track with their goals ... and feel more in control of their routine.
But during the holidays, it can be tough to know where to look, what to grab, and what to avoid.
That’s why we’ve put together 6 simple holiday grocery shopping tips ... to help make your trips easier, healthier, and less stressful.
1) Shop With a Full Stomach
One of the easiest ways to stay on track during the holidays is to never shop hungry.
When you walk into the store on an empty stomach, everything looks good ... especially the seasonal sweets and impulse snacks placed at the end of every aisle.
Eating a high-protein snack beforehand like Greek yogurt or having a protein shake helps curb your hunger ... and keeps treats from sneaking into your cart. Shopping fueled means shopping smarter.
2) Make a Shopping List (and Stick to It)
Having a clear shopping list is your biggest advantage.
Before you go, write down exactly what you need for the week:
- Proteins
- Produce
- Healthy snacks
And any holiday items for gatherings. A list keeps you focused, cuts down on impulse purchases, and helps you avoid grabbing things that don’t support your goals.
Go in with a plan… and commit to it. Your cart (and your progress) will thank you.
3) Shop the Store Perimeter
During the holidays, the center aisles are loaded with seasonal snacks, sugary treats, and processed foods that make it easy to stray from your goals.
That’s why one of the smartest strategies is to shop the store perimeter first.
The outside edges of most grocery stores are where you’ll find the essentials:
- Fresh produce
- Lean proteins
- Dairy
And whole-food options that support your health and fitness. Filling your cart with these staples before heading inward helps you stay focused, make better choices, and avoid impulse buys.
4) Read Nutrition Labels
Holiday foods often come with hidden sugars, extra sodium, and festive packaging that makes them look healthier than they are.
Taking a few seconds to read the nutrition label can help you avoid surprises and stay aligned with your goals.
Here's what to check for:
- Added sugars
- High-sodium sauces or mixes
- Calories
- Protein
- Carbs & fats
- Serving-size tricks
Paying attention to the label helps you make informed choices ... so you can enjoy holiday favorites without derailing your progress.
5) Buy in Bulk When Possible
Holiday grocery trips can get expensive ... and time-consuming.
Buying certain items in bulk not only saves money but also ensures you always have healthy staples on hand when your schedule gets busy. Foods like:
-Oats
- Nuts
- Frozen veggies
- Lean meats
- Rice
...and other pantry essentials are great bulk buys that store well and make meal prep easier. Just be mindful to only stock up on items you actually use regularly so nothing goes to waste.
Bulk shopping keeps your kitchen ready, your meals simple, and your budget under control all season long.
6) Fill Nutritional Gaps With Supplements
Supplements like meal replacement shakes, greens powders, and multivitamins can help fill gaps in your diet.
Consider adding these to your grocery routine, especially if they’re essential to your meal plan. For example: using a meal shake for breakfast can simplify your morning and reduce the need for other breakfast items.
Using certain supplements to fill nutritional gaps may even completely eliminate some purchases from your “actual” grocery list.
We understand that following these tips can be much easier said than done ... but that's why we're here!
At your local S2 location, our sports nutrition specialists are always happy to help you dial in your grocery shopping needs. We can even hook you up with a personalized meal plan & foods list ... which you can use to help grocery shop, and we do that 100% FREE at all of our locations.