Rethinking the Grocery Store Rule: Is Shopping the Perimeter Always the Best Strategy?
Rethinking the Grocery Store Rule: Is Shopping the Perimeter Always the Best Strategy?
For many, myself included, grocery shopping can feel like navigating a labyrinth of aisles, searching for elusive items while braving the crowds. This experience often leads us to embrace alternatives like curbside pickup long before it became necessary in 2020, and some of us continue that to this day.
But for those who venture inside the store, it's worth considering your strategy as you navigate those aisles. One commonly heard recommendation is to "shop the perimeter" - focusing on the outer edges of the store where fresh, whole foods like produce, meat, and dairy are typically located. While this advice can be helpful, it's essential to recognize its limitations.
Grocery stores are intentionally designed, from the placement of products to the promotions that lure us in. The perimeter may offer many wholesome options, but it has its pitfalls.
Take, for instance, the bakery section often found near the entrance. While there may be some healthier choices like whole wheat bread, it's easy to get sidetracked by less nutritious options.
Similarly, while the dairy section boasts staples like milk and yogurt, it also tempts us with indulgences like whipped cream and dips that may not align with our health goals.
Even the meat section, with its array of proteins, has its share of less-than-ideal choices, from fatty cuts to processed sausages.
And then there's the alcohol aisle, where moderation is key but not always practiced.
Meanwhile, the aisles offer plenty of nutritious options that should not be ignored. Whole grain cereals, healthy oils, flavorful spices, and canned goods can all contribute to a balanced diet when chosen wisely.
Of course, navigating the aisles requires discernment. Sweetened cereals, high-sodium canned foods, and other less healthy options abound. But with mindful selection and a willingness to read labels, there's no reason to avoid this part of the store altogether.
While "shopping the perimeter" may be a helpful guideline, it's not a hard and fast rule. By approaching the grocery store with a balanced mindset and a keen eye for quality, we can make nutritious choices regardless of their location. So, the next time you find yourself in the aisles, remember that healthy options abound in every corner of the store.
Real World Nutrition Refreshed: I am revitalizing and updating my archive of blogs and re-publishing them. Stay tuned as I review, update, refresh, and re-share these posts to provide you with even more valuable information on nutrition, health, and overall wellness – and keep things timely. This blog was initially posted on Mar 19, 2021, and updated here.
