tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post3400714582683054328..comments2024-03-15T04:01:53.036-04:00Comments on Cranky Fitness: Fifteen Healthy Ideas for Grocery ShoppingCrabby McSlackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-62363816171448428992008-04-11T03:09:00.000-04:002008-04-11T03:09:00.000-04:00Yes, great post! I thought all these were good str...Yes, great post! I thought all these were good strategies. I wrote a similar article a little while back on my blog called <A HREF="http://www.garbagethatgoo.com/2008/02/22/7_strategies_for_shopping_survival/" REL="nofollow">7 strategies for shopping survival</A>.<BR/><BR/>One thing I do is remind myself of both my shopping and health and fitness goals right before entering the store. <BR/><BR/>And in the store, I have little "mantras" I use. Statements I tell myself like "I don't eat that anymore." or "My body doesn't need that." or "I want to nourish my body and this won't do it." It's funny, but you start telling yourself stuff like this, and soon, you can resist nearly any temptation because you come to believe what you've been telling yourself!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-6274594541548465182008-04-07T06:14:00.000-04:002008-04-07T06:14:00.000-04:00I know planning is not everyone's favourite thing,...I know planning is not everyone's favourite thing, but I always choose the week's meals ahead of time and write a shopping list to go with it. This way:<BR/>- i get to check that we are eating some fish meals, some meat meals, and some legumes/bean meals<BR/>- you check what you already have in the cupboard/fridge so nothing goes to waste and you don't buy stuff you don't need<BR/>- you avoid the whole "What can we have for dinner" dilemma because there's already a list!Louise Wedgwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05621663940424760161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-76659548303241016072008-04-05T13:35:00.000-04:002008-04-05T13:35:00.000-04:00Great post--lots of good suggestions. I totally s...Great post--lots of good suggestions. I totally suck at meal planning but really should get better about it. I tend to do a lot more shopping because I can't think ahead.<BR/><BR/>And sorry to check in so late--what awesome comments! Thanks, everyone, for a great discussion.Crabby McSlackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-65863943850597152672008-04-05T01:31:00.000-04:002008-04-05T01:31:00.000-04:00Thanks for this. The grocery store shopping is li...Thanks for this. The grocery store shopping is like a rehersal for what you will be eating. It helps to lock in your commitment to eat healthy. If you want a treat, plan it and enjoy it and then move on. I never tell clients that can't have something ever again, just that they need to plan treats or more extravagant meals.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-8176689657994462112008-04-03T23:10:00.000-04:002008-04-03T23:10:00.000-04:00i love to shop at www.wholeandnatural.com. they ha...i love to shop at <A HREF="http://www.wholeandnatural.com/" REL="nofollow">www.wholeandnatural.com</A>. they have all kinds of healthy and natural kosher food and snacks. the stuff is fresh and low prices. <BR/>seeya, debby <BR/>btw i used a coupon bldc08 try itAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-9702953585623020612008-04-03T22:15:00.000-04:002008-04-03T22:15:00.000-04:00great list! I have one to add:don't let husband do...great list! I have one to add:<BR/><BR/>don't let husband do the shopping because he always comes home with bags of CRAP! <BR/><BR/><BR/>:) LisaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-29675305162278069192008-04-03T18:10:00.000-04:002008-04-03T18:10:00.000-04:00Good ideas...I went shopping when I was hungry thi...Good ideas...I went shopping when I was hungry this week.<BR/>Chaching.<BR/>All healthy, but man...too much :)<BR/>I agree about teaching kids to behave in grocery stores. I recall being taken out at any whine or complaint, and learned how to act in public. We lived outside the city so we came in just for groceries, and my Mum would have *none* of that whining business...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-18061943461433664312008-04-03T16:58:00.000-04:002008-04-03T16:58:00.000-04:00Great post...StarcrossedLady, if only most people ...Great post...<BR/><BR/>StarcrossedLady, if only most people would teach their children to act like that in a grocery store. I've worked in the grocery business for the last eight-ish years, and my biggest problem with it is people who let their kids run around. I used to merchandise for a soda company, and I can't tell you how many times I've had to stop a full pallet suddenly for children running around, or even adults not paying attention. Stopping 2000+ lbs like that isn't safe(I was seriously hurt once), but hey at least I got a good workout.<BR/><BR/>That said, if you want to grocery shop on a downtime, Tuesday is always the slowest day of the week, as is Wednesday. I wish I could stay away from the snack aisle, but it's across from the dairy section at my store, which I just can't avoid.Melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17810538607599478209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-22675621714515087282008-04-03T16:13:00.000-04:002008-04-03T16:13:00.000-04:00Perhaps I'm in the minority here...but #4 is a dou...Perhaps I'm in the minority here...<BR/><BR/>but #4 is a double-edged sword. Sure, you can get your shopping done at uber-speed, and you won't get distracted, and you get downtime...<BR/><BR/>However, how else are the kids going to learn certain things? What things? Well, like...<BR/><BR/>*Grocery Store Manners. My kids were taught that tantrums meant we would leave the store immediately-- even if it meant leaving a cart full of groceries. You can usually ask a checker to put it aside and then come back for it or send someone to get it for you. Whining? Was an automatic no to whatever it was the kid wanted. There was NO running down the aisle-- if they even tried, we either left the store, or they were put in the cart. Will it take you longer to go through the store? Probably, especially in the beginning. But kids don't magically learn to be better at some set age, it's up to you to teach them how to behave in a social setting-- and a grocery store is one.<BR/>*Label/price checking. A very good way to show the kids why you won't buy Sugar-Blasted Corn Bombs or Lunchables or any of the crap that gets advertised/brought to school by all their friends. Have them read the labels themselves, show them the portions contained in the pretty products versus getting the cold cuts from the deli. Gawd knows we didn't become better consumers overnight; this is something the kids need to learn, the sooner the better.<BR/>*Practise. You have a ton of real-life situations for mathmatics, English, Science, History... everything the kids are learning in school. Show them why it's necessary to learn division (portions per package, unit pricing), english (reading the ingredient list), et cetra. This is one major teachable moment that will help the kids understand why they have those really boring drills in school.<BR/>*Quality time. Yes, I know people need downtime. Personal preference here, but I'd rather spend those hours where I can get the kids watched doing something I like to do like knitting or reading in the tub then something that can be a chore like grocery shopping. Plus the kids can be a help when it comes to planning meals (give them specific choices: "Hey, broccoli and cauliflower are on sale this week. Which would you like to have on Tuesday?""Hm, what about drumsticks for Thursday?" not to mention that their helping making a decision would also combat finiky eating).<BR/><BR/>Look, I can understand why people shudder when they see kids tagging along a cart. I have three. And have my kids been angels? Not always (hence why I know you can get your cart set aside). But they need to learn, and if you don't teach them about healthy eating and shopping, who will?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-22465916074310749442008-04-03T13:35:00.000-04:002008-04-03T13:35:00.000-04:00This was a very good post. I have been using lists...This was a very good post. I have been using lists and label reading for a number of years now. Of course I know what brands to buy for my allergies, but now I have to read labels to cut out bad-for-you things.<BR/><BR/>Ashley, the things that can be frozen, buy in bulk and freeze them in one portion sizes, if you have company simply take out more portions. A lot of grocers now have the fruits cut & portioned into various size mixed trays/cups. Look for those and for bagged salads, or loose veggies. I know they are more expensive, but in the long run, isn't it better than throwing away food?Rebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05318594769530526005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-47239020702331104042008-04-03T10:22:00.000-04:002008-04-03T10:22:00.000-04:00Actually I get a lot of "you poor thing" reactions...Actually I get a lot of "you poor thing" reactions from people when I bicycle to the store. The only reason to ride a bicycle is if you can't afford a car?<BR/><BR/>Now that I think of it, the local grocery store does have a child care center so that parents can take their child to the store but not have them with them in the aisles. Maybe this is an idea that could become a trend?The Merryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660495393832517684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-19819924824513097072008-04-03T10:18:00.000-04:002008-04-03T10:18:00.000-04:00Thanks for the great list of ideas. I've found the...Thanks for the great list of ideas. I've found the shop without the kids tip to be one of the best ways to knock out shopping in a short amount of time. It is nice not to have anyone whining when I trek across the store a few times to get the things I forgot (ie, I forgot to LOOK at the list I have with me - duh!).<BR/>It is nice to see that grocery shopping is a skill that others have to sharpen, too and that it isn't just me!<BR/>And kudos to Merry for bicycling to the store - wow!Briannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04641147724155240676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-22983716065015545102008-04-03T09:54:00.000-04:002008-04-03T09:54:00.000-04:00Once again, allergies rule. I've been meal-plannin...Once again, allergies rule. I've been meal-planning since college, when I had to live off campus (in 1971 that was not allowed for freshmen) because I couldn't eat in the cafeteria. I stopped making written meal plans after a year or two, but I always have a grocery list on the refrigerator. My impulse purchases would be when I see something and think "Oops! I never did write that down." My allergies pretty much rule out snack food, too (and I never did like eating between meals) and of course I'm a fanatical label reader.<BR/><BR/>I'm not a cart user, though. My shoulders don't like pushing a cart. I can carry a loaded basket in one hand and two gallons of milk hanging from the other hand all around the store and my shoulders are fine, but steer an empty cart for a while and my shoulders will be aching for hours afterward. As a single person for most of my shopping life, and even since my father moved in with me, I don't really need to buy a lot at once. I need to get perishables often enough to pick up the other things a bit at a time.<BR/><BR/>Mary Anne in KentuckyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-68567751435359831202008-04-03T09:21:00.000-04:002008-04-03T09:21:00.000-04:00Excellent list. Grocery stores really are sneaky w...Excellent list. Grocery stores really are sneaky when it comes to pushing products.Leah J. Utashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08497599109798015888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-36895820167401839052008-04-03T08:27:00.000-04:002008-04-03T08:27:00.000-04:00Great post. The Bag Lady already does most of thes...Great post. The Bag Lady already does most of these things because, apparently, as you age, you gain wisdom.<BR/>(Bwahahahahahaha)the Bag Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17434610508260994331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-81569091147549217092008-04-03T07:43:00.000-04:002008-04-03T07:43:00.000-04:00I would add try not to go shopping when you're str...I would add try not to go shopping when you're stressed out and have very little time -- not always possible, I know. <BR/><BR/>But the lure of the cookies and chips and easily grabbable foods when I'm stressed is almost overwhelming.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08655094330475654364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-45268526452509089092008-04-03T07:12:00.000-04:002008-04-03T07:12:00.000-04:00I usually walk to my local grocery store, so I can...I usually walk to my local grocery store, so I can only buy what I can carry home :-). <BR/>Or maybe I should get one of those old fashioned wheeled carts? Do they even make those anymore? Or will I look OLD??<BR/><BR/>MissicatAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-4055759010643107582008-04-03T05:01:00.000-04:002008-04-03T05:01:00.000-04:00Merry? I aspire to be you.Ive always wanted to be:...Merry? I aspire to be you.<BR/>Ive always wanted to be:<BR/><BR/>Hey, did you see MizFit on that bike. AGAIN? Does sisterfriend even own a car?!<BR/><BR/>but Im not :)<BR/><BR/>I loved the CHALLENGE O'THE SNACK AISLE.<BR/>cool idea turning the grocery shopping trip into a chance to put your new habits/healthy habits into practice!<BR/><BR/>and wondered if the 'leave child at home' tip was a babysitting offer?!<BR/><BR/>:)<BR/><BR/>M.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-13434296199121618932008-04-03T01:56:00.000-04:002008-04-03T01:56:00.000-04:00What a great list of ideas!What a great list of ideas!Marni's Organized Messhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05158521136342223415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-18462222381554401902008-04-03T00:36:00.000-04:002008-04-03T00:36:00.000-04:00Wow, I'm excited........this is my first time gues...Wow, I'm excited........this is my first time guest blogging anywhere, and it couldn't have been on a better site, or to a greater group of readers. <BR/><BR/>Thank you Crabby and Merry..........:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-50107351134952004662008-04-02T23:12:00.000-04:002008-04-02T23:12:00.000-04:00Yeah, I need to apply the snack food rule to the i...Yeah, I need to apply the snack food rule to the ice cream aisle as well. It's sad when you realize you've tried ALL the existing flavors of Stoneyfeild frozen yogurt. Really good suggestions.... does anybody have any tips for meal planning/shopping for single people? I can't seem to buy stuff in quantities that is reasonable for one person, which means I waste a lot of food, which I hate for economic and environmental reasons.Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06655489689359862086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-81029499557296732822008-04-02T23:01:00.000-04:002008-04-02T23:01:00.000-04:00Let's try that link again!http://tinyurl.com/2pu9u...Let's try that link again!<BR/>http://tinyurl.com/2pu9uvThe Merryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660495393832517684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-32917280005333013552008-04-02T23:00:00.000-04:002008-04-02T23:00:00.000-04:00grrlpup, that's a good point.The wonderful Kathryn...grrlpup, that's a good point.<BR/>The wonderful Kathryn at Limes & Lycopene just finished up a series of healthy foods to eat when you're super-busy:<BR/>http://kathrynelliott.com.au/blog/2008/03/12/the-foods-that-save-me-when-i-m-super-busyThe Merryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660495393832517684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-80122818717088736462008-04-02T22:06:00.000-04:002008-04-02T22:06:00.000-04:00Re: meal plans, I would add please don't kid yours...Re: meal plans, I would add please don't kid yourself that you'll suddenly cook twenty-one meals a week from scratch. Salad in a bag can be part of the plan.<BR/><BR/>I like #8 Grab a Cart... I'm the person you always see sheepishly getting one halfway through the trip and dumping my overloaded baskets into it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-72752762567082902302008-04-02T21:59:00.000-04:002008-04-02T21:59:00.000-04:00These are all good suggestions. The best part of t...These are all good suggestions. The best part of the list is that after following these points for awhile, they'll become automatic. Or so I'm hoping!<BR/><BR/>My best idea was to bicycle to the store... and better still, to bicycle to work. That way, I /had/ to plan ahead and couldn't make last-minute stops at the store on my way home. I couldn't buy chocolate eclairs /and/ apple turnovers both, since there wasn't enough room :)The Merryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660495393832517684noreply@blogger.com