How to Do Perimeter Shopping at the Grocery Store

Studies conducted by a variety of consumer agencies have repeatedly confirmed that the perimeter of the grocery store is filled with both the healthiest and the freshest food. Avoiding the center aisles will save you calories and may just save you money. Perimeter shopping is the easiest way for a shopper to ensure that she is making healthy food choices while maintaining diversity in her diet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Grocery List
• Shopping Cart
• Determination

1. Once you’ve picked up your shopping cart, enter the grocery store and head straight for the produce section. Produce is almost always located on the perimeter of the store and is a great place to start. If you load up your basket with fresh fruits and vegetables, you are less likely to succumb to the urge to put additional snack foods in your basket.
2. Many large-chain grocery stores place a bakery next to the produce section. Purchasing fresh bread products from the bakery is a far better choice than the mass-produced bread products that may have hidden preservatives, high fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients. When purchasing bread products from the store’s bakery, consider purchasing 100% whole grain products.
3. Another mainstay of a grocery store’s perimeter is the fresh meat section. Beef, chicken, pork and seafood products can all be purchased fresh from the butcher department. If a butcher is available, consider asking about whether the meat products have been injected with fillers like water or artificial flavors. Although fresh meat is much healthier than frozen meat, some of the enhanced meats are not the best choice.
4. As your grocery store perimeter shopping experience comes to a close, you will find yourself in the dairy department. Milk, butter, yogurt and even fruit juice can be found here. Organic products are always a good choice; dairy products without added hormones or antibiotics taste better than their non-organic counterparts.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare a comprehensive grocery list in advance. If you have a thorough list, and have it organized by department, your grocery store trip is going to be quicker and you’re less likely to give in to processed pre-packaged impulse purchases.
• Certain products will require that you venture into the central portions of the store. If you are in need of baking staples like flour or sugar, be sure to stick to your grocery list and avoid the highly processed and artificial ingredient-filled pre-packaged goods. Know your destination and get only what you need.