Grocery Shopping Myth Busters
Are there really strategies for grocery shopping? Or rules to be followed? When I was in school studying to be a dietitian, we learned “strategies” to help people grocery shop. And years later, when I worked as a retail dietitian at a grocery store, I fell in love with almost every aisle and shelf. My co-worker and I would relish trying new products and making new recipes - the possibilities were endless. How could it be possible to skip any aisle when there was so much goodness throughout the entire store!
Let’s examine four of those myths I learned way back (and still hear sometimes to this day) and see what (if any!) advice may be helpful to follow.
Never shop without a list: I think this really depends on the person and the size of the shop. Oftentimes, a list can be really helpful in making sure you remember to get exactly what you need - especially if it is a bigger shop that includes ingredients for multiple meals, as well as staple fridge and pantry items. There is nothing worse than getting home and realizing you forgot milk, eggs, bread, or anything else. However, some people who shop more frequently and for smaller purchases may not need a list. Some people have a general idea of what they need and are just fine without one.
Never deviate from said list: Sometimes we do need to stick to a list for financial or other reasons. But overall, for me, this is a big myth that takes me right back to diet-culture mentality. When we shop, we often discover new products (or if kids are in tow, they do!). If the budget allows, it can be a fun time to buy something new to try. If you are working on Intuitive Eating, you may find that a smell in the store from the bakery reminds you of a craving that you have been having. This may be a great time to buy that item and practice incorporating all foods into your diet.
Don’t shop when you are hungry: I think there is a lot of truth to this strategy. Anytime we are extremely hungry, it is hard to make good, conscious decisions. It’s the same idea as when we arrive at a meal absolutely ravenous - we want to order one of everything on the menu. Instead, if we have a snack or a meal before we shop, we feel much better equipped to determine exactly what we need, rather than just impulse-buying everything!
Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store: MYTH!! Sure, there are wonderful finds around the perimeter: dairy, produce, meat, etc. However, in the aisles are so many awesome things - beans, canned vegetables, pasta and other grains, sauces and spices to flavor our foods, and snack foods like nuts and whole grain crackers. So walk up and down those aisles with confidence - there are many good finds to be had that can be included in a health-promoting diet!
The grocery store can be a really fun place, and it can also feel really overwhelming if you aren’t sure how to put together your plate. If you need ideas or guidance, contact us today - we can help make a plan that works for you!
