The Devil's Second Home: Grocery Store Shelves
What we put in our bodies will determine the results in what we see. As some of you know, I have been trying to start "distance" running a little bit. It has been a bit of a challenge so far because I am built for speed and power, not distance. In order for me to run for distance, it's in my best interest to drop some weight. In order to do that, I had to adjust my eating habits. The past month or so has been very clean eating all of the time.. I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it, but I have been pretty consistent 90 percent of the time. That other 10 percent is my reward.
The key to it all has been how I game plan everything. I have had to change my approach altogether on how I go food shopping. I used to just go in, get whatever I liked to eat, and go from there. But, now the plan has changed. It's pretty simple: stay out of the aisles 90 percent of the time. That other 10 percent is to duck down an aisle for spices, condiments, and sometimes some oatmeal. Once I grab what I need, I get right out. I know that if I stay in the aisle too long, my eyes will wander and I will tempt myself to get some of the things I know I don't need. To take it a step further, sometimes I will try to think ahead and plan out my meals for the next week or two. Once I have that put together, I create my food list from there. If I know what I should be buying, there will be no room for mistakes. And again, I go in with the same mindset: stick with the plan.
I know we all love to eat. But remember, it plays a big role in everything we are trying to achieve. Whether it is to sleep better, train harder, have more energy, recover faster, lose weight, or gain weight, the way we fuel our bodies is essential to getting there. Hopefully you can start to create a game plan and get yourself on the right track. The right track is what you feel it should be - just make sure it's consistent with your goals. Next time you go food shopping, go in with a plan and stick to it. Resist temptations. So far it has worked to my benefit. My times are dropping for my runs and I have now lost 14 pounds and counting.
Maya Lincoln
7:24 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Congratulations on your weight loss. Also, thank you for sharing this article. The economy makes it so hard for us to afford "healthier" food. But on the other hand, the junk food companies and stores make is so easy to afford the "junk" stuff. One can get a Box of Mac and Cheese (very fattening and tons of carbs) for 50 cents at a Wal-Mart,or 5 for a dollar for Ramen noodles (so much sodium), yet look at the price of fresh veggies or even lean meats. It is sad. I love this article. Thank you again for this out there.
Chris
10:06 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Healthier foods are not more expensive, take the money you would normally buy the junk & put it towards healthier meals. Instead of buying ready made box of Mac & cheese, buy a box of pasta & make your own version. You will have left overs. Make your own soup & freeze it, so for those late nights, you can take it out & heat it up. Instead of buying sodas & juices, drink water. Lastly, shop around for those deals on fruits, vegetables & meats. BJ's, Sam's & other locations always have discounted prices on them.
Maya Lincoln
7:36 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thanks Chris.
I just feel in general that the food companies, stores, and other people involved could make fresh veggies more cheaper, especially for individuals who are too poor. I know many neighborhoods have started "neighborhood" gardens. If many more places did that, look at all the healthy food one can have. I am also glad that food stamps do cover seeds for planting vegetables. I wish I could do my own garden, except I live in an apartment building that will not allow it.
I myself do not drink sugary drinks, nor junk foods. I have food intolerance that include wheat, gluten, dairy, and other things which are found in junk foods anyway. Plus, I have found that drink water is the best. The worst thing to drink are those Monster energy drinks. Many of my college friends drink those things and they are so bad for you.
CBA
8:22 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Terrific post, Kerry! Love to see more from you on the Patch.
English first
9:03 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Working with a list saves money. it used to be that for every minute you spend in a grocery store you would spend a dollar. So one hour would cost 60$. I am not sure what it is now but my guess would be at least 2$ an hour. Everything I throw into my basket is at least 2 or 3 dollars. That is at least 120$ an hour. Working with a list and sticking to it will save you money. How long do you have to work to pay for that?
Chris
10:49 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Maya- Just because you don't have a land to plant a garden, doesnt' mean you can't have something. I currently have a tomato plant in a pot on my deck and earlier this summer, I saw lettuce planted in a oval shape pot.
Maya Lincoln
7:47 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thank you Chris. I am actually thinking about planting some stuff. I actually think that would be a great idea. I love the tomatoes that one grows in gardens. They taste so much better.
Peter A. Filippi III
10:38 am on Sunday, August 26, 2012
The other day I spent $180 at the market and the casher asked me, “Do you want a bag for that”? Ha, ha. As for breakfast Quaker Oats is the best deal there is.
Mary E. Viera-Moniz
11:35 am on Sunday, August 26, 2012
We have to ask!!!!
Cynthia Lachapelle Shannon
8:14 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
If you're looking for ways to cut down your grocery bills, check out my website. :-)
there are coupons even for healthy stuff!
www.mamagotcoups.blogspot.com
Coupon Mama Massachusetts
SC
1:33 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Learning to cook and not rely on pre-package/processed ingredients, learning to eat what is in season (and when it's in season), and growing your own produce can save a LOT of money.
All kinds of lettuces grow very easily in pots indoors and no bees are required because you harvest before it flowers! Also the local woods harbor lots of tasty treats if you learn how to forage. Knowledge is the key and there are plenty of books; free for the reading at the local library.