Having a well-planned out grocery list can be one of the best tools an individual wanting to lose excess weight can have while following any type of weight loss program or eating plan.

By having a predetermined list of foods to purchase and, knowing where those foods are located in the grocery store, not only can a person save time, but also money.

An organized grocery list, by aisle, such as the one below, can make getting your weekly grocery store run easier and an individual is going to be less likely of coming back from the store with foods that are unhealthy that can hinder their long-term weight loss plans.

Bakery & Bread.

Look for whole wheat to be one of the first ingredients on the list of any prepackaged breads purchased as well as whole-grains that contain 3-4g of fiber per serving.

Whole Wheat Bread, Pita Breads, English Muffins, Whole-Grain Flour Tortillas, Whole Wheat Buns, Etc.

Meat & Seafood.

Look for cuts of meat that are lean, especially if choosing to consume red meats also, take advantage of going to the meat counter and asking the butcher for advice on what the leanest types of meat on offer are, lean meats offer individuals a great source of flavor without the excess fat.

Skinless Chicken Breasts, Ground Turkey, Salmon, Mackerel, Shrimp, Flank Steak, Pork Loin, Etc.

Rice & Pasta.

As with the bread isle, choose pasta that is made with whole wheat or whole-grains in addition to healthy rice options.

Brown Rice, Wild Rice, Whole Wheat Pasta, Whole Grain Pasta, Etc.

Oils & Condiments.

A wide range of sauces and condiments are high in salt and sugar, keeping this in mind when choosing condiments to use for meals an individual should opt for sugar free or low sodium variations and items such as mayonnaise can be substituted for salsas, oils and even mashed avocados.

Tomato Sauce, Mustard, Barbecue Sauce, Red-Wine Vinegar, Capers, Olives, Hot Sauce, Salsa, Low-Fat Mayonnaise, Etc.

Breakfast Cereals & Foods.

Again, another isle to make sure that foods being purchased are made from whole-grains or whole wheat that are high in fiber and low in sugar.

If a sweeter breakfast is preferred, do not forget that cereals can be sweetened using berries, fruit and nuts.

Whole-Grain Cereals, Rolled Oats, Instant Oatmeal, Whole-Grain Cereal Bars, Cheerios, Etc.

Canned Goods & Soups.

When purchasing canned goods there are two things to look out for. First, make sure that any canned vegetables and soups being purchased are low in sodium and second, if opting to go with canned fruits, choose ones that are canned in fruit juice rather than syrups.

Whole Peeled Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes, Tuna in Water, Low-Sodium Soups, Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Low Sodium Broths, Chicken Packed in Water, Etc.

Frozen Foods.

Frozen foods are a great addition to any homemade soup, casserole or stew and can also be used in smoothies along with frozen low-fat yogurt.

Frozen Broccoli, Frozen Spinach, Frozen Peas, Frozen Blueberries, Frozen Mango, Frozen Shrimp, Frozen Low-Fat Yogurt, Etc.

Dairy, Cheese & Eggs.

Avoid pre-flavored yogurts, buy stronger flavored cheeses so you use smaller portions and buy whole fat cheese and butter, just use smaller amounts.

2% Milk, Almond Milk, Fat-Free Yogurt, Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Eggs, Firm Tofu, Butter, Non-Hydrogenated Spreads, Etc.

Snacks, Chips & Crackers.

Choose food items that are whole and minimally processed where possible as well as those that contain whole wheat, nuts and grains.

Whole Grain Crackers, Dried Raisins, Dried Cranberries, Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds, Peanut Butter, Soy Butter, Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa), Etc.

Produce Section.

The produce section of the store should be everyone's primary source of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables that are sourced locally typically taste better and cost less than a wide range of processed foods.

Bananas, Apples, Mango, Pear, Cherries, Strawberries, Baby Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Lettuce, Etc.

Beverages.

Where possible, choose beverages such as tea and coffee that can be made at home.

If searching for fruit juices, be sure to check that it is made from 100% juice and not a juice 'drink' or concentrate that are often pumped full of sugars.

Also remember, that water, still or sparkling, is the healthiest beverage anyone following a balanced and nutritious healthy diet can drink.

Unsweetened Green Tea, Tea Bags, Ground Coffee, Fortified Juice, Sparkling Water, Etc.

Of course, the above grocery shopping list is just a generalized version, it should be adjusted to suit the diet and eating program an individual plans to follow to ensure the correct foods are being purchased as allowed by the specific eating program.