Tips for Healthy Grocery Shopping
By Michael Cole
A common problem for many people is buying fresh produce but not eating it soon enough before it spoils in the refrigerator and goes to waste. The causes behind this are multiple, but the two most likely factors are buying more than is needed, and eating too much junk food instead of the fresh produce.
Health experts recommend only buying as much produce during your trip to the grocery store as you know you will eat. While this advice may seem obvious, the fact is that many people view their eating habits through a distorted lens. The dangers of eating too much produce are non-existent while the dangers of eating processed foods are very real. The only way to stay on top of your dietary intake is by being more conscious of the items purchased that have no nutritional value but are mindlessly eaten as snacks and in-between meals. Another way people trick themselves into buying junk food is by convincing themselves it's for another family member while it is actually consumed by the person buying it.
Grocery shopping habits can be the key to unlocking vibrant health or conversely creating poor health conditions. Experts recommend that before you buy food, think about how it will realistically make you feel after eating it. If the answer is “satisfied with a sense of well-being” then it’s safe to say you’re making good choices. What follows are some tips for making grocery shopping a practice that leads to good health.
Consciously look for food that promotes well-being - The grocery store is packed with thousands of eating options. The problem is that 80 percent of them contribute to poor health. The math states that only 20 percent of food items available are good for you. Focus on that 20 percent, and ignore the rest.
Stick to the store’s perimeter - Grocery stores have been carefully constructed to encourage buying processed foods because they have the highest level of financial sponsorship. The fresh produce, meat, milk, and eggs are typically located at the stores' edges with the artificial foods in the center. Sticking to the edges will ensure you only buy what’s good for you.
If you do go down an aisle, leave the cart behind: By forcing yourself to only be able to carry in you arms what you want from the aisle, you can avoid overloading on unhealthy junk food.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Clayton, Mo.