You may or may not have heard to “shop the perimeter of the grocery store,” and you may or may not know the reasoning as to why this is recommended. If you think about your local grocery store, you’ll notice that produce, the deli, meat, dairy, and frozen foods surround the center aisles of the store. You’ll also notice that these items are not processed to minimally processed foods, and this is why it is recommended to “shop the perimeter of the grocery store” first, saving the shopping for more processed foods for last. Typically a person who has already filled up their cart with healthier options is less likely to add a lot of unhealthy, highly processed food to their carts. If you’re sticking to a tight budget, it’s best to spend your money on foods that will nourish your body, and adding those foods to your cart first will save you from wasting your money on foods full of empty calories.
While this suggestion holds some truth – that most of the minimally process foods are found around the perimeter of the store – that doesn’t mean EVERYTHING found there is healthy, nor does it mean EVERYTHING that is found within the inner aisles is unhealthy. For example, lunch meat, hot dogs, and bacon are highly process foods that are located along the perimeter of the store, while dry and canned beans, canned fruit, and canned vegetables – minimally processed, healthy food options, are located within the center aisles. While grocery shopping, I would suggest shopping around the perimeter of the store first and using your best judgement when it comes to the choices you make. Choose minimally processed, locally grown, organic foods when possible. To better understand the various levels of the processing of foods, you can check out my blog post “What’s in a Bite – the Basics” from February 2017. Planning out meals for the week and making a list of what you’ll need, as well as avoiding grocery shopping while hungry, can also help you sidestep making unnecessary and possibly unhealthy purchases. I know a lot of people, myself included, hate grocery shopping, but planning out your trip and shopping the perimeter of the store will save you a lot of hassle. I know the grocery stores are quite daunting this time of year with the holidays quickly approaching, so good lunch, and Godspeed! Think positive, stay active, and smile. -A #healthyliving#healthylifestyle#nutritioncoach#werresnutrition#eatrealfood#nutrition#healthyeating
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Allison WerresWife, nutrition coach, dog mom Archives
May 2018
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