Grocery shopping is something we all must do in order to keep food and necessities in our homes. Whether you enjoy it or think of it as a chore, it can play a part in your overall diet plan.

Do you have any special strategies for buying groceries that help you ultimately stick to your diet?

Do you try to shop at a certain time, like after you've eaten, to help control the urge to buy foods you don't need?

Are there certain foods you just don't buy because you know if they are in the house, you will want to eat them?

There are a BUNCH of foods I don't buy because I just don't want them in the house - too tempting! Potato chips are probably the biggest no-no. I only eat them when I'm out, because a bag at home isn't going to work. Sometimes my teenage kids bring home chips, but they usually buy the flavored kinds, which I don't like at all, so they're not tempting.

In fact, I use this strategy for other foods as well. For example, my husband likes to eat ice cream at night, so I only buy flavors he likes, but I don't. This way, everyone is happy!

I love the idea of buying flavors you don't like! My husband is an ice cream junkie, and it's been hard to stay away from it, being newly diagnosed.

The other thing I find helpful is to have something that I like to eat, and that fits my meal plan, so I can enjoy it when my husband eats ice cream. Over the years I've learned that if I'm not hungry, it's OK to NOT eat. But if I'm hungry, then it's good to have a healthier substitute on hand. Believe it or not, most of the time I opt for some fresh fruit!

I'm with you! I love fresh fruit and I do find it satisfies me - sometimes even more than the sweet treats. In fact, I like it so much, I actually have to watch myself because too much is not good for my diabetes! As long as I don't overdo it though, I'm fine.

You're right about needing to pay attention to the amount of fruit we eat. The other day my son bought some fresh cherries, and ate them all! He doesn't have diabetes, but he DID spend a lot of time in the bathroom after that. Eating in moderation is still important, even if the food is good for us!

I try to teach my kids that too much of ANYTHING is not good. Of course, sometimes they need to learn for themselves. I bet your son won't be overeating cherries for a while!