Here are some other tips to add to last weeks article on how to read a vitamin label. First, try to stay away from the grocery store! Most food at the stores are filled with preservatives, additives, hormones, etc. If you have space and can do it, try to grow whatever you can at home even if its just a few herbs. If not, go to farmer’s markets. It’s worth the drive once a week to get local, ideally organic produce. We have become disconnected with our food sources. We are told to know our doctor, know our mechanic and know our kids’ friends and teachers. It’s time we get to know our farmers. You will dramatically increase your health potential by doing this as the produce will be better and fresher.
Now, if you can’t, or just really prefer a grocery store, here are some tips.
Shop the perimeter: Why? It’s where the real food is located. As trucks come in, they unload the produce and all of the refrigeration is around the store. All of the isles contain mostly foods that are loaded with unnatural ingredients. There are a few exceptions like nuts, and of course other items such a paper towels, but the focus is food in this article.
If you can’t pronounce it, don’t buy it: If you are going down the aisles to try and find something more healthy that is packaged for ease, travelling, etc, if it contains long words that sound like chemicals….they probably are chemicals.
If on a budget, maximize the organic purchase: What do I mean? Because organic food typically is more expensive (and more nutrient dense so you get more for your money), buy the organic produce that you are always eating. If you and your family eat chicken and eggs almost daily, then buy those organic. You can also do a search for “Dirty Dozen Clean Fifteen” showing you the least and most pesticide laden produce. You could get away by buying non organic at times.
Instead of canned, make it yourself: Best example are beans. Dry beans are very inexpensive and are easy to make. You will keep away from many chemicals this way. Also soups are a great idea. You can make in a big pot or even a crockpot. Make a large batch and store in your freezer for later use. Find BPA free plastics when storing as well.
Any questions let me know.
You can contact Dr. Scott Jurica, MS, DC, PAK, ACN, at his website, www.drscottjurica.com, or at his office, 830-833-0889.
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