If you’ve ever wondered how to make healthier choices in your grocery shopping routine, a simple tip is to shop the perimeter of your store. This strategy is based on the layout of most supermarkets and can be an effective way to improve your diet.

In general, the outer edges of the store are where fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish are located. These foods are whole and unprocessed, making them some of the healthiest choices available.

Fresh Produce

The produce section, often right at the entrance of the store, is a cornucopia of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Here you’ll find everything from apples and oranges to leafy greens and root vegetables. Buying various fruits and vegetables allows for a diverse diet packed with necessary nutrients.

Protein Options

Next, you’ll typically encounter the butcher and seafood departments. Meats, poultry, and fish provide high-quality protein, essential for maintaining muscle and promoting satiety. Plus, seafood offers omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart and brain health.

Dairy and Alternatives

As you continue around the perimeter, you’ll come across the dairy section. Here, you’ll find milk, cheese, and eggs—all excellent sources of calcium and protein. For those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, there are plenty of alternatives, such as nut milks or goat/sheep cheese.

The Inner Aisles

While the perimeter of the store tends to house the freshest, most wholesome foods, this doesn’t mean you should completely avoid the inner aisles. They contain healthy options, like canned beans, nuts, olive oil, and seeds. However, they also house heavily processed foods and snacks, which should be limited in a balanced diet.

Shopping the perimeter of your grocery store is a simple strategy to guide healthier food choices. By filling your cart with various fresh foods from the store’s edges and supplementing with select items from the inner aisles, you can ensure a nutrient-rich diet for you and your family.