WHAT’S IN YOUR GROCERY CART?
Source From: https://homejarfitness.com/whats-in-your-grocery-cart/
By: Lanae Agee, RN, Chief Wellness Officer –
I was in the grocery store this past weekend and the cashier looked at me and said, “This is the healthiest grocery cart that I have ever seen.” And I looked at it collectively and she was probably not exaggerating.
We have 3 children, including 2 teenage boys and they eat…well, a lot. When I make a trip to the grocery store the cart is loaded down. But not full of soda, processed snacks and cookies. The cart is full of things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and coconut milk.
So, I ask you, what is in your cart?
I think we are all doing more cooking at home because prices have increased, and cooking at home provides significant savings and the opportunity to cook healthier meals.
Planning meals in advance and preparing a shopping list is one of the best ways to maximize your time and ensure that the meals you are eating are healthy ones.
There are a few simple things you can do to improve the healthiness of your grocery cart.
Plan your meals before you go shopping, make a list, and stick to it. Impulse purchases are likely to be unhealthy choices.
Shop the perimeter of the store. This is where you find most of the fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meats. Limit your dairy selections. Choose alternatives like almond, cashew or coconut milk. Beware of the interior aisles that contain primarily packaged and processed foods that tend to be high in sugar, salt, and fat.
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when you can. Frozen vegetables are a good alternative, too. Be careful with canned vegetables which can be high in salt and preservatives.
Of course, for some of us this is easier said than done. Grocery stores are designed to get you to buy more of the most profitable foods. You don’t have to be perfect. We all like to indulge now and again, but save that for special occasions or when you are eating out. Be mindful to avoid temptation and make good choices. Even small changes can improve your diet and your health. Try buying more fresh vegetables and less sugary snacks. Over time, you will find that your cart will be filled with healthier foods for you and your family.
Another tip is, don’t go to the store starving. Maybe drink a Matrix shake before venturing out. Or even take your PHYTE before grocery shopping. In talking to people at our last event, they said that when they take their PHYTE first thing in the morning they actually make healthier choices throughout the day. I think it’s because they feel so good about doing something great for their bodies right out of the gate that they don’t want to mess it up. Versus, eating a bacon biscuit first thing in the morning may lead to more poor choices throughout the day.
If someone looked in your grocery cart what would they see? For those personal trainers out there, do you practice what you preach? To all of those nutritionists, if a client gets in line behind you, what will they see in your cart? And to all of the Moms out there, first, let me say Happy Mother’s day… and secondly, are you setting a good example for your kids?