Grocery shopping for healthy food can be confusing. What did that label say? What's the difference between a "fortified" juice and one that's "nutrient-rich?" How many Skinny Cow® ice cream sandwiches equal a regular ice cream sandwich? And, should you really be buying them if you're already doing that kind of math?

Shopping doesn't have to be a hassle, though, if you follow our Registered Dietitian's guide:

Grab a snack & make a list. You won't crave certain snacks if you've already eaten, and you're less likely to toss in extra items if you make a list.

Pick from the perimeter. The healthiest foods like produce, unprocessed meats, and dairy products are on the outer edges of the store. Sugary snacks and sodas will be in the inner aisles.

Choose fresh fruits and veggies. They'll be firm and ripe. Watch out for mold, and avoid potatoes with a green tint to their skins. To keep food from spoiling, buy only what you know you'll use.

Select frozen foods which maintain their nutritional value and have less sodium than canned food when looking for out-of-season fruits and veggies.
 
Pick seafood which contains omega-3 fatty acids, or skinless chicken and lean turkey. Meats should smell fresh and not be sticky or slimy. Checking the date on the meat package guarantees that the product is fresh. Other great protein sources include legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Try whole grain breads. They're healthier for you than breads made from refined flour.

Avoid high-fat and high-sugar snacks. Choose whole grain crackers and drink juice, water, or milk instead of sugary soft drinks.

Tune into Channel 3 at 8:25 am on August 10 to see Mettler's Melissa Smith, RD, dispense more advice. If you're still confused about pesky labels or have special dietary needs, sign up for the next Grocery Store Tour on August 19th. You'll be able to tour a local supermarket with Melissa and get hands-on instruction!

If you are a sport-specific athlete looking to move to the next level, Mettler Athletic's skill instruction might be the ticket. During your off-season, work with one of our talented instructors who tailor individualized workouts to help you reach your athletic goals.

Our coaches specialize in track, softball, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. We believe you can only learn to be the best from great coaches, which is why each instructor is a former college or professional athlete, who has had much success in his or her sport.

Sonny Walker, our basketball instructor, was instrumental in helping Centennial to a state title. DJ Throneburg, one of our baseball coaches, led Parkland College to a national championship. Our baseball team of coaches has a combined 29 years professional experience, too.

At Mettler, we're focused on your needs. You'll learn to shoot a basketball or hit a baseball effectively. You'll also learn important, but often-ignored, defensive skills that will set you apart when try-outs come.

In addition to top coaching, we also apply innovative technology. Our Dartfish analysis system can show you how your form compares to top athletes. You'll also be able to monitor your improvement throughout your training.

Each private session is 30-minutes in length, except for basketball, which is 45 minutes. Multiple session packages are available, too.

To learn more, contact Eddie Edwards, Mettler Athletic's Facility, Skill & Camp Coordinator. To check coach availability and schedule your first session, contact member services.