12 tricks to SHOP and SLIM

Supermarkets tempt us at every turn, but these tips will keep your waist trimmer and bank balance healthier

Overspending and gaining weight? Perhaps you're tripping up when it comes to the weekly shop. Unwise choices can hugely hinder our health and weight-loss goals - but we can't take all the blame. One in five UK adults claim supermarkets cause them to go off-track when attempting to lose weight, according to research by the Royal Society for Public Health and Slimming World. In fact, more than one in three of us impulse buy unhealthy products because they're on offer. Fortunately, a few simple tricks can help you avoid the common pitfalls of supermarket shopping week in, week out. Stick to your diet and budget by following these rules...

1 Ignore ends of aisles

Offers like '3 for 2' are usually on tempting foods, such as pizza, chocolate, sugary yogurts and crisps. 'These are placed prominently at the ends of aisles, near essentials, or even at the shop entrance, to encourage customers to pick them up,' says nutritionist Kim Pearson.

2 Be buzzword-aware

Don't be fooled by labels that state things such as 'natural' or 'healthy'. 'Legislation is so lax in this area that these words are meaningless,' warns Suzy. Instead, she recommends looking for descriptions, such as 'grass-fed' and 'organic'.

3 Stay within the outer areas

'This is where you'll find fresh fruit and veg, minimally-processed dairy products, such as plain, full-fat yogurt, fish, eggs and unprocessed meats,' says health coach Suzy Glaskie. 'Around 80% of highly-processed produce is in the middle of the store, so steer clear.'