How many of you were given detailed instructions about how to grocery shop?
We were at the grocery store A LOT (family of 9 + a side catering business!) Looking back, I’m pretty sure if someone asked me if I thought I was a knowledgeable shopper, I would’ve said yes.
Then I went on a wellness journey that hasn’t ended. When I first became a health coach, I led clients on grocery store tours. During these trips, clients repeatedly confided how they steered clear of the bulk isle because they didn’t know how it worked or skipped veggies because they didn’t know what to do with them and how they often found themselves with bags of snack foods because it was easy.
Since then, I’ve see hundreds of articles about how to grocery shop healthfully. One recommendation that comes up over and over and over again is to shop the perimeter of the store. Heck, I may have even said this too.
I’m here to set the record straight. This is dead wrong.
Now let me explain. The perimeter of most grocery stores are lined with produce, the butcher shop and fish monger and the on-site bakery. Some great options.
Most articles that are touting sticking only to the perimeter are saying so based on the idea that everything in the middle is processed food. But sticking only to the perimeter is outdated, bull malarkey and can even be considered a form of health shaming.
Sure, there are plenty of processed foods that can be found in the middle of the grocery stores. BUT, there are also some really wonderful options of foods that are still close to their original source or only minimally processed. Here are some of my favorite foods found in the middle of the grocery store:
- Frozen fruits
- Frozen vegetables
- Dried beans and legumes
- Spices
- Canned veggies (but check for added salt)
- Olive and coconut oil
- Almond and other nut/seed butters
- Coconut butter
- Cacao powder
- Canned salmon
- Jars of Sardines
- Nuts & seeds
- Oats
- Coconut milk
- Dried seaweed
- Dark Chocolate (my fav is from HU)
That’s a pretty good list and I’m quite sure there are other things I didn’t even think of. I’m anticipating your next comment: ‘Do you really expect us to live without ANY snacks??” Nope. I got you covered.
Below I noted a few brands that I like ( shared a link to amazon for reference.) I’m sure there are many more. Simply look past all the marketing on the front of the package (the gluten free, high fiber, low sugar, blah blah blah); turn the product over and look at the actual ingredient list on the back. Then decide if this is something you want to eat.
- Siete Tortilla Chips
- Good Health Potato Chips
- Brami Lupini Beans
- Bada Bean
- Made Good Granola Bites
- Dang Coconut Chips
- Terra Plantain Chips
Go shopping and feel free to explore the entire store. Come back and tell me what you found!