Grocery Shopping Simplified for Your Lifestyle

Grocery shopping can feel like a minefield. You walk into the store and are confronted with the signs for this deal, and the cereal box with Jacob’s favorite TV show character just happens to be right on the end of the aisle so he starts begging for it. Then you turn the corner and realize there are 20 different chocolate bars to choose from and you just wanted a special treat for yourself and didn’t want to have to make one more decision. This is a time when it can be great to begin the process of establishing what is important to you before you even walk into the grocery store.

The grocery store is one place where you can really use your dollars to influence what is important to you. However, the only way to do that is to establish what is important to you. For some people they might know what is important for them is price and they will only look at the price of things and get the cheapest one. For someone else it might be that it all has to be the “name” and they will only get the “name”. But as someone who is looking to create a lower toxin life your value might need some redefining or defining for the first time. Here are some

Things to consider when moving to a lower toxin, conscious living Groceries:

1. Prioritize fruits and vegetables. Never let the thought you need something to be organic or fresh stop you from buying fruits and vegetables.
2. However, when you can prioritize organic to reduce exposure to pesticides .Try to especially prioritize organic in the the dirty dozen which are found to have the highest levels of pesticides. These are strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, cherries, peaches, pears, bell and hot peppers, celery, and tomatoes. While it is important to try to get organic for these items the bigger thing is still to EAT FRUIT AND VEGGIES.
3. Look for fair trade in highly exploited area such as chocolate and coffee.
4. Look for certified B corporations which shows the company prioritizes their workers, the consumers, and the environment.

Grocery shopping can feel confusing but the best defense to that is establish your values before you go. Think through what is important to you and how your dollars will influence the business. And when all else feels overwhelming remember having food for your family is the most important thing!