You may think that being a healthy shopper or an unhealthy shopper is a matter of personal preference, but in reality, it can have a significant effect on your long-term health and wellbeing. Shopping is an activity that most people do on a regular basis, and how you go about it can make all the difference in how healthy your lifestyle is. If you’re new to healthy shopping, here are some of the most significant differences between a healthy and an unhealthy shopper.
Healthy Shopping Habits
First and foremost, healthy shoppers are careful about what they buy. They take the time to read labels, look for ingredients, and compare nutrient facts between brands. Healthy shoppers generally opt for whole, unprocessed foods and avoid any foods with added sugars, chemicals, and preservatives. They choose organic fruits and vegetables when possible, fresh meat, fish, poultry, and dairy, and make sure to get enough fiber and protein. They also reject cooked, prepared foods that are high in calories, sodium, fat, and sugar.
In addition to being mindful of what they buy, healthy shoppers also pay attention to how much food they buy. They use smaller grocery carts and take less food home with them. Planning meals and creating grocery lists help them avoid over-shopping and wasting foods. Healthy shoppers also choose stores that offer discounts or buy in bulk when it makes sense.
Lastly, healthy shoppers make shopping a mindful and enjoyable activity. They don’t leave it to the last minute and make sure that they’re not distracted by phone calls, texts, or other people. They take their time and savor the experience of finding new and healthy ingredients.
Unhealthy Shopping Habits
In stark contrast, unhealthy shoppers tend to be careless about what they buy. Rule of thumb: if it’s cheap and comes in a box or a can, it’s probably not the best for your health. Unhealthy shoppers normally ignore labels and don’t read ingredient lists. They shop for convenience, often choosing pre-cooked meals and ready-to-eat snacks that are high in sugar, sodium, and fat. Unhealthy shoppers also don’t care about the quality of food- instead, they go for whatever is cheapest.
In addition to choosing unhealthy food, unhealthy shoppers often buy in excess. They take their time and fill large grocery carts with items that they most likely won’t use. Bulk items and food packaging also tend to lure them in, as they provide a false sense of savings. As a result, unhealthy shoppers tend to waste a lot of food in the long run- not only financially, but in the form of health as well.
Saving time is also important to unhealthy shoppers. Since they ignore labels, they just grab processed and packaged foods and go. Unhealthy shoppers also lack any sort of mindfulness while in the store. They multitask, such as talking on the phone or texting while shopping, as a means to get out faster.
Overall, being a healthy shopper means taking the time to shop thoughtfully and choose items that will benefit your health. Switching from unhealthy to healthy shopping can be difficult, especially if you’re used to shopping for convenience, but if you start by selecting one or two healthier items each time you go to the store, it will become easier and healthier in time. This way, you’re making a choice that will improve your overall health and wellbeing.