Stay away from grocery store aisles to keep weight gain at bay

Batting an eyelid and pushing the cart past the aisles at the local grocery store can help keep you from piling on unwanted pounds, according to experts.

Gaye Lynn Hicks, with The Methodist Weight Management Center in Houston, said avoiding fat-promoting items on the aisles could be a head start on combating the bulge.

Hicks said: "In most grocery stores, the aisles are filled with canned goods, frozen and boxed dinners that are loaded with fat and extra unnecessary calories. The perimeter features fruits, vegetables, lean meats and other healthy fair."

Hicks recommended an awareness of food labels and foods with the fewest amount of ingredients could also be useful in controlling weight.

Hicks pointed out: "The top 5 ingredients listed make up the food, the rest are preservatives and additives to give it flavor. Many times this leads to additional fat and calories. It should be a red flag if you see they are adding a large amount of sugars and fats. Women only need 200 calories of added sugar per day and men 300 calories."

Hicks added: "If 90% of what is in your shopping cart is from around the perimeter of the store, you are eating a clean, healthy diet."