Your Guide to a Healthy Grocery Run
The first week of camp for 2012 is said and done, so many of you have your sights set on the weekend. If a stop at your local supermarket is on your Saturday to-do list, I’m here to help. To all my February Finisher Challengers, pay close attention! Now’s the time to stock up on clean eats and set yourself up for another healthy week ahead. Plus, each and every grocery run can be your chance to renew your commitment to a clean lifestyle.
Before you hit those supermarket aisles this weekend, check out my five shopping tips to boost your nutrition success.
Stick to the perimeter of your grocery store
Big chain store or small, local supermarket. One grocer to another. They’re all usually set up the same way: Produce, eggs, dairy, meat, seafood and baked goods line the outer edges of the store. What’s left? Aisles upon aisles of boxes, cans and packages (sodium and sugar and preservatives, oh my!) sitting in the center. While you may have to dip into the core of the supermarket for a few whole grains and possibly – especially at this time of year – a package of frozen fruit for your morning smoothie, steer clear of the area whenever possible. The fresher food lies in the periphery. Plus, less packaging translates to fewer food labels to peruse and, therefore, a quicker shopping trip.
Keep an eye out for produce being sold in bulk or at a discounted price
A great deal or heaping piles of a certain type of fruit or vegetable is often a good indication of seasonality. Local items at their peak of freshness are less expensive. Plus, transporting out-of-season produce from afar not only translates to higher prices, but also to a decrease in nutrients.
Frozen fruits and veggies aren’t always evil
Yes, fresh is usually best. But, in the dead of winter, that can often limit your selection of produce. Opting for frozen berries rather than reaching for a pricey pint from out of town is a budget- and health-conscious option…not to mention an environmental one. A few things to keep in mind when going frozen: Produce should include merely one ingredient – the fruit or vegetable in question. Look for labels that read “flash frozen,” which indicates that the item was frozen at its peak of freshness without degrading vitamin or minerals.
Let your eyes wander
Where items get stocked on a supermarket shelf is anything but random. Products found at eye-level are often more expensive, popular brand names…but that doesn’t mean they’re healthier. Don’t overlook cleaner options simply because they’re not in your line of sight. Comparison shop and don’t be afraid to tippy toe (hello calves!) or squat down to get the healthy buys you’re looking for.
Bring along your reading glasses
Yes, if you must purchase food in a box, package or can of any kind, first flip it over and quickly scan that ingredients list. Five ingredients or less: good. High fructose corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, chemicals, additives and items you can’t pronounce: put it back.
Happy Shopping!
Always living with passion,
Sammie
