Your Health and the Way You Shop

Grocery shopping on the perimeter of the store will lead to healthier eating

By Kevin Valluzzi

When I am in the supermarket, I am constantly peeking in the shopping carts of others. And what are most of those carts filled with? Junk food, chips, and sugar-loaded drinks. Believe it or not, where you do your shopping in the store has a huge impact on your waistline. And can you guess where most of the above foods are found?

The middle aisles! It's probably something you've never given much thought to, but just think about it for a minute...all the cookies, crackers, and chips are found in the middle of the store. And these are the items that are mostly boxed or prepackaged. These are the foods that have trans-fats, sugar, and additives, and they will do nothing to help your waistline. 

So where do I try to shop when in the supermarket? I always go for the perimeter of the store. It's along the perimeter of the store that you will find your fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy products. These are what I consider real foods, and they will help you burn more calories. They will not only keep your weight under control but, maybe more importantly, they will keep you much healthier on the inside. So on your next trip to the grocery store, do yourself a favor and purchase from the perimeter.