Shop the perimeter
Here are 6 good reasons– well 5.5, if we give “rice cakes” the benefit of the doubt – to “shop the perimeter.” That’s the advice from nutritionists and dietitians and other health-conscious folks who want us to eat for life and health (and not illness, lethargy, obesity and aging).
It’s around the perimeter of the grocery store that you’ll find the produce section and the store’s selection of meats and fish. Around the perimeter you can buy fresh food (maybe even organic or locally grown/ raised food) that is nutrient rich, with the vitamins and minerals (aka phytochemicals) that research is showing have powerful disease-preventing, anti-aging effects. Shopping the perimeter you have the chance to choose foods that increase energy, boost the immune system, keep arteries clear, the heart strong, the digestive tract happy and metabolism powered up.
What do you find cruising the inner aisles? Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch, Cool Ranch Doritos, Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, liters of Coke and family-sized bags of M&Ms. (You better NOT be salivating now.)
Btw, the photo above is of my local Safeway.
4 comments
It is important to remember that EVERY grocery store does this–and hopes we walk down the cake mix aisle to get to the ‘good stuff’.
I would love to know your thoughts on Pop Chips!
It IS important to realize that grocery stores are very purposefully designed. A TERRIFIC book about how grocery store design, menu language, plate size and other “hidden persuaders” lead us to poor food choice is Brain Wansink’s MINDLESS EATING. In the wide word of evil snack-ables, Pop Chips are a decent choice.
If they’d put Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch on the perimeter, I wouldn’t have to cruise the inner aisles… just sayin’…
*wink*
I love the perimeter… most of our shopping is done there (exception noted above). Know what else is on the perimeter?
Wine! 🙂
I specifically called out Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch because (sadly, oddly, embarrassingly) I love that stuff.
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