Healthy and Smart Shopping
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I shop for groceries almost every day of the week. Whether I am shopping for clients, classes,
parties or Debbie and I at home, I take notice of what others have in their shopping carts. If I am
shopping in my chef coat and pants, fellow shoppers often stop me and ask me questions. One
question I am often asked is,”How can I shop healthier for my family and me?”
This is a great question.
Most times, that question is followed by the comment that at least one or more family members are
trying to lose weight. The interesting thing is in ALMOST EVERY case, they have carts loaded with
frozen pizzas, ice cream, macaroni & cheese in a box, hot dogs, 12-packs of pop, microwaveable
pockets of some sort along with items with a high amount of fat, sodium, sugar, preservatives and
chemicals to extend shelf life and retain color.
Fast food or prepared packaged foods are sometimes necessary because of our busy lives, but they
are not good food as a matter of routine.
One can lose or manage weight better by following a few simple shopping guidelines. These
guidelines are not rocket science, but are common sense and easy to remember if you understand
how grocery stores configure typical shopping areas.
Here are Chef David’s grocery shopping guidelines:
There are many other great ideas, but these are at the top of my list.
The benefits of shopping using these tips include saving money, heating healthier, reduced weight in
some cases, and a healthier longer life.
Blessings,
Chef David Hall
parties or Debbie and I at home, I take notice of what others have in their shopping carts. If I am
shopping in my chef coat and pants, fellow shoppers often stop me and ask me questions. One
question I am often asked is,”How can I shop healthier for my family and me?”
This is a great question.
Most times, that question is followed by the comment that at least one or more family members are
trying to lose weight. The interesting thing is in ALMOST EVERY case, they have carts loaded with
frozen pizzas, ice cream, macaroni & cheese in a box, hot dogs, 12-packs of pop, microwaveable
pockets of some sort along with items with a high amount of fat, sodium, sugar, preservatives and
chemicals to extend shelf life and retain color.
Fast food or prepared packaged foods are sometimes necessary because of our busy lives, but they
are not good food as a matter of routine.
One can lose or manage weight better by following a few simple shopping guidelines. These
guidelines are not rocket science, but are common sense and easy to remember if you understand
how grocery stores configure typical shopping areas.
Here are Chef David’s grocery shopping guidelines:
- Don’t shop hungry. This will minimize the likelihood of impulse purchases or purchasing
more than you can eat. - Plan healthy meals in advance and make a list, taking into consideration what is in season
(and on sale when possible). - Shop from a list and DO NOT buy anything not on the list. If you forgot to put it on the list, it is
most likely something you can do without or you can find a substitution at home. This not only
saves money, time as well. - Shop the perimeter of the store. This is where the unprocessed foods are. Fruits,
vegetables, meats, dairy and the bakery typically reside at the edges of the store. Canned
vegetables, dry goods, and condiments are typical exceptions. - Avoid the freezer section, unless you are shopping for frozen fruits and vegetables out of
season. - Minimize your trips to the store. Try to limit your shopping to once a week, unless you are
picking up perishables that will not last a week. - Shop what is in season. This will not only save you a lot of money, but will provide you with
fresh and flavorful produce. - Shop for bulk items once a month.
- Cut back on red meat. Many vegetarian dishes are hearty and tasty.
- Use coupons and shop the sales. Make your dollar stretch.
- When possible, shop the local farmers markets. It is fresh, and often free of pesticides, and
supports local businesses. - Get to know your produce and meat managers by name. They can pull the best of the best for
you as a courtesy.
There are many other great ideas, but these are at the top of my list.
The benefits of shopping using these tips include saving money, heating healthier, reduced weight in
some cases, and a healthier longer life.
Blessings,
Chef David Hall
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