5 Things to Consider Before Buying Food at the Grocery

Amy Taylor April 30, 2015

In this world that is full of so much marketing hype, there is always a question on which stuff is healthier and which one is not. And the biggest question – Which ones should be in our shopping list? Here is a guide that can make your next visit to the grocery a less stressful, less confusing and more health-friendly one.

Go organic whenever possible.

It’s not because organic have more nutrients than the commercially produced crops. But produce that are not grown organically may be covered in health-damaging pesticides. Remember that these chemicals are designed to kill things, so it is likely that they could do harm to our body. Organic produce contain, if any, less pesticides so they are safer to eat. There is still a debate on whether organic produce is healthier than their conventionally grown countertops. But most studies suggest that the difference is not significant.

Choose dark, green vegetables.

Dark green vegetables are a must-have in your shopping list, as they are great sources of powerful antioxidants, as well as vitamins and minerals that your body needs. They are super low in calories too, which make them a perfect staple if you are on a diet. The rule of thumb is that the greener the produce, the more nutrients it contains.

Opt for healthy fats.

Fats are staple to any kitchen. We need it for cooking, making salad dressings, frying, etc. Don’t think that vegetable oil is healthy just because it says ‘vegetable’. As much as possible, opt for healthier fats, such as olive oil. Apart from oil, you can also get healthy fats from other food sources like fatty fish, avocado, flaxseeds and chia seeds. Such foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart and brain. Deficiency in these good fats can lead to plenty of health problems, ranging from dry screen to obesity.

Choose quality meat and wild fish.

Whenever possible, opt for grass-fed animals. Not only do they taste better, they also have a lower fat content. What’s more, they contain good fats too, such as omega 3 fatty acids. Same thing with fish. Try to opt for wild fish. Farmed fish suffer the same thing farmed land animals do – they aren’t fed on their natural diet, and they can’t swim as much as they would in the wild. Because of these, farmed fish have more fats and less protein in their bodies.

Refrain from processed foods.

Processed foods are something you should avoid if you are looking to improve your health. Not only do these foods contain less nutrients, they also have more chemicals, sugar, salt and other unhealthy ingredients that make them fatty and ultimately unhealthy. Do away from refined grains too. It wouldn’t be that hard, as there is always a healthier substitute available. For instance, instead of white bread or pasta, opt for whole wheat version. Whole foods contain lots of fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. When choosing goods, check the label. Examine the ingredient list. If you see items that are hard to pronounce and unusual, it’s most likely that the food is less healthy.

When it comes to eating healthy, a safer approach is to go with natural produce. This way, you can be sure that you are eating something that is grown or made from the real stuff, and not something that chemists do in the lab.