To the average consumer, grocery shopping can be a daunting task. With 22 aisles of goods and each one packed with bottled, canned, and processed foods, finding the best options to fit with both your budget and you health consciousness can be a daunting task. It doesn't have to be though, if you follow some basic guidelines.

First, stick to the outside of the store. What this means is avoid those lines of aisles that tempt you when you first walk in. For the most part the aisles are what contain your processed and overpriced foods. The walls of most grocery stores are what contain your real foods: Meats, produce, dairy, etc... If you can stick to the wall of most grocery stores you'll be taking a huge step in the right direction.

Second, stick to the basic principle of "foods by God". What this means is that even though those crackers might be whole wheat and organic, if they're in the shape of a zebra they probably have been pretty heavily processed and had most if not all nutrients removed. The more you will have to prepare the food, generally the better it will be for you. It might take some extra time but in the long run your body will thank you.

Lastly, make lists and plan ahead. If you go to the store without a clear direction of what you need and what you will use it for, you will probably end up having to throw away spoiled foods you couldn't use or end up making extra trips to the store which will cost you time and gas, neither of which come cheap!

Shopping for the good of your body and bank account doesn't have to be an enigma. With some basic planning, discipline and common sense you can become a regular health food extraordinaire in no time.