01-19-23
Gut-Healthy Grocery Shopping
If you’re on a mission to improve your gut health, then the best place to start is often with your diet. Filling your plate with gut-friendly foods is a great way to ensure you are providing your gut and the rest of your body with the important nutrients it needs to feel its best.
One of the best things you can do now to help yourself start eating a gut-healthy diet is to be more mindful about what you put in your cart at the grocery store. After all, the foods you bring home from the store are the ones you are going to eat, so if you are intentional about grocery shopping with your gut health in mind, your diet will naturally become more gut-friendly as well
Here are five tips that can help you navigate the grocery store when you are looking to support your gut.
1.Read Labels Carefully
For non-produce items, reading labels is important. Do your research before heading to the store so you can become familiar with the daily nutrient recommendations and ingredients to be on the lookout for. Once you have figured this out, a quick glance at the label will let you know if the product fits into your gut-friendly diet.
2.Shop the Perimeter of the Store
Many of the healthiest foods are found around the perimeter of the store, while the inner aisles are usually filled with processed items. When shopping, sticking to the outer edges of the store will encourage you to fill your cart with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins instead of pre-packaged items that have less nutritional value. Of course, you don’t have to avoid the middle aisles completely. There will occasionally be items on your list that are on these shelves, so when you need them go grab them, avoid browsing the surrounding aisles while you’re there.
3.Visit the Farmer’s Market
Depending on the season and the area you live in, this may not be an option all the time. However, when you can, it’s best to stop by the Farmer’s Market before heading to the grocery store, as this is often the best place to get fresh, organic produce. Plus, since the farmers are local to your area, shopping at a farmer’s market is a great way to ensure you are eating what’s in season, which comes with a number of benefits.
4.Don’t Overstock Produce
Yes, you should include fruits and vegetables on your list, but don’t overdo it. Most fresh produce items have a shelf life of 10 days or less, even when refrigerated. The last thing you want to do is to order takeout because the produce in your fridge has already gone bad and now you have nothing to cook for dinner. To avoid this problem, it is best to buy only what you will use in the next week or two.
5.Look for Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir are fantastic for your gut because they contain live probiotics that can help promote a balanced gut microbiome. Because of this, fermented foods are great for supporting healthy digestion, optimal gut function, and helping your body take better advantage of nutrients from the other foods you eat.
By implementing these easy tips, you will be more prepared to navigate your trips to the grocery store and fill your cart with as many gut-friendly foods as possible. We’re sure you’ll notice a difference in the way your gut feels in no time!