By Paige Bennett
Eating healthy food can be difficult and confusing, but having the right food in your kitchen can help. It is hard to know which foods are actually healthy. It is important to shop the perimeter of the grocery store, which is where most healthy foods are found. Whole foods, or foods that are not processed and closest to their natural state, are the best option. With that said, you must be able to read labels and understand what is actually in the food you are buying.
The perimeter of the grocery store is where you can find healthy options. This is where fresh fruits and vegetables are found. You can find the meat, dairy, and fish in the coolers along the walls. The center of the store is where the highly-processed junk foods are located; this is the area we should avoid!
It is best to buy food in its most natural form. Try and choose fresh, natural, or raw items, or look for things that are 100% fruit juice or 100% whole-grain. Avoid the products that have add-ins and are processed, such as granola bars and fruit snacks. This can be as simple as skipping the pre-packaged trail mix, and buying natural raw nuts and dried fruit to make your own trail mix. It is is not necessarily cheaper to buy things in their most natural form, but it is definitely better for you.
Pay attention to what is on the labels when you are buying food; the label will tell you exactly what is in the food. The nutritional facts can sometimes be misleading, which is why it is important to also read through the ingredients. The rule of thumb is to avoid foods that contain more than five ingredients, artificial ingredients, or anything with ingredients you can’t pronounce. You know foods are completely natural if they don’t even have a nutritional label!
Shopping for healthy food is made easy with just a few simple steps. The perimeter of the store is where you can find fresh produce and meats, fish, and dairy products. Try to buy whole foods that are in their natural state, or lightly processed. Pay attention to the labels, which should contain all of the information you need to know to make an informed decision. Now you have the knowledge to start your healthy lifestyle!
Paige Bennett is a student at Fillmore Central High School. She is one of eight area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its eighteenth year.