Have you noticed that most grocery stores are organized the same way with the fresh produce, dairy, and meats on the outside while canned and packaged foods are on the inside or center aisles. The expression “shop the perimeter” which is another way of saying the outside part of the grocery store is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It encourages you to stick around the edge of the supermarket where you will find fresh and whole foods which promote the greatest health benefits.
Most of us tend to spend more time at the grocery stores inside the center aisles, however if your goal this year is to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your food intake, it is important to have a plan in place when going to the grocery stores. Think of the 80/20 rule which can apply to a wide range of fields. In this case, 80 percent of the time at the grocery stores should be spent around the perimeter, keep in mind in the dairy and ready to eat sections you need to read the nutrition label to ensure that you are getting the best options for your health. And the remaining 20 percent of the time should be spent in the center aisles to shop for healthy options like nut butters, whole grains, canned beans, and more, (really need to pay attention to labels inside the aisles). Another way to approach grocery shopping is to fill three quarters of your cart with food items from around the perimeter and then the remaining one quarter with food from inside the aisles.
One of the reasons why supermarkets are set up that way is in case of a power outage, it is easier to remove the perishable foods which are in the perimeter of the store to place them in proper refrigeration. The middle aisles with nonperishable foods can last longer period in case of a power outage.
Consider your grocery shopping habit, where do you spend most of your time, around the perimeter or in the center aisles?
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