It’s age-old grocery store advice to “shop around” and avoid the center aisles for the healthiest foods, risking even ignoring the potential of nutritious foods, two nutritionists told Fox News Digital.
Lauren Manaker, a registered dietitian based in South Carolina, said the advice to buy products only on the outside or edges of grocery stores is “a little bit outdated.”
“The idea stems from the fact that fresh produce, dairy and meat are often found on the fringes of grocery stores,” she said.
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“But this approach ignores the plethora of nutritious, convenient and affordable options in center aisles.”
For example, a person who only “shops around” will miss out on nutrient-dense foods such as “canned tuna, frozen fruit and whole-grain quinoa,” Manaker says.
While fresh and unprocessed foods are typically found on the edges of grocery stores, healthy options can also be found in the center aisles, a nutritionist (not pictured) told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
She added: “These foods are packed with nutrients, have a long shelf life and can be incredibly versatile in cooking.”
Dr. Phyllis Pobee, a board-certified physician who specializes in genetic weight loss, shared a similar sentiment with Fox News Digital. Pobee is the Toronto-based founder of Genelean360°, a weight loss and health consulting company.
“Transform your grocery shopping into a powerful tool to maintain and enhance your health.”
She offers several tips for maximizing a trip to the grocery store, including planning meals before making a list, embracing whole foods over processed foods, and considering adding “superfoods” to your diet.
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“While traditional shopping recommendations are helpful, these personalized strategies based on genetic insights and a deeper understanding of food labels can transform your grocery shopping into a powerful tool for maintaining and enhancing your health,” she said.
Pobee says eating whole foods means “filling your shopping cart with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.”
The wisdom is to look for “seasonal and locally sourced produce wherever possible.” (iStock)
“Even if these items are scattered throughout the store, look for them to ensure a nutrient-dense diet,” she said.
Pobee also offered the wisdom of finding “seasonal and locally sourced produce whenever possible.”
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“These options are often more concentrated and fresher than out-of-season nutrients, which must travel long distances and are often treated with preservatives,” she says.
Manaker advises that shoppers should not just stick to advice like “shop around,” but take a more holistic approach.
Experts say people who only “shop” at the grocery store are missing out on nutrient-dense foods like canned tuna. (iStock)
“For smart shopping, it’s all about reading labels and understanding what’s best for your health goals, lifestyle and budget,” she says.
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She says a person should aim to “look for options that are high in essential nutrients such as fiber, protein and healthy fats, while being mindful of added sugar and sodium content.”
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“And don’t forget to explore those center aisles,” she says.
They’re filled with “healthy staples like beans, whole grains, nuts, and even some great frozen or canned options to make eating a balanced meal a breeze.”
