Healthy eating becomes much more easier if you plan what you buy. While shopping in Qatar, it's quite easy to get fresh and wholesome foods, thanks to the chain of grocery stores and hypermarkets.

Here are some tips to help you make healthy food choices when shopping.

1. ALways make a list of items you think you need. Before you go grocery shopping, plan your meals for the week.

2. Try to choose the low-fat option whenever possible. For example, select low-fat milk, cheese, yoghurt, salad dressings and gravies.

3. Buy leaner cuts of meat. Ask the butcher to clean out the fat as much as possible from the meat.

4. It is better to opt for chicken without skin. Chicken skin contains loads of calories and saturated fat, so skinless chicken breasts are a healthier choice.

5. Try not to buy a lot of processed meat. Limit consumption of corned beef and turkey breast loaves.

6. Try to buy fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned and pickled vegetables they are high in added salt.

7. Always check the date of a product before you buy it. A 'use-by' date shows the date by which a product should be consumed, while a 'best before' date indicates the date until which the food will remain at its best quality.

8. Keep your hot foods hot and cold foods cold. When transporting food between the supermarket and your home, make sure high-risk foods (such as meats, dairy products and seafood) are maintained at the right temperature.

9. Look for food bargains. Bulk-buy nutritious meal ingredients at markets and supermarkets. Non-perishable options with long shelf lives include dried vegetables, beans, legumes and dried pasta.

10. Try to limit takeaway and convenience foods. You can do takeaways once in a while, but try to cook food at home so you know what you're eating.

This post was sponsored by Monoprix Qatar