| Perimeter shopping refers to the process of staying | | | | you are not tempted by all of the branding, |
| on the "perimeter" of the grocery store while | | | | marketing and shelf placement designed to tempt |
| shopping for your family's food. Perimeter shopping | | | | you into trying the latest food replacement- out of |
| was first brought to light in Michael Pollan's book, In | | | | sight, out of mind. |
| Defense of Food. | | | | Perimeter shopping does have some drawbacks, |
| The idea behind perimeter shopping is that the | | | | however. You will probably end up spending a little |
| perimeter of the grocery store tends to be where | | | | more money when you perimeter shop, particularly if |
| the "real" food is located- the produce, fresh | | | | you buy locally grown produce and vegetables |
| vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, dairy and baked | | | | whenever possible- something both Pollan and |
| goods. | | | | nutritionists recommend. The reason for this is that |
| On the other hand, the processed stuff- the | | | | local farms simply cannot compete with the ability of |
| crackers, cereals, dressings, frozen foods and an | | | | the large food processors to deliver affordable |
| endless list of "ready to serve" items, tends to be | | | | packaged goods to the supermarket. After all, the |
| found in the aisles and on the shelves. In fact, the | | | | farmer's product can spoil, while the processed food |
| term "shelf life" refers to the amount of time these | | | | can't- a huge advantage for the processors. You also |
| processed items can last on the supermarket shelf | | | | will find yourself shopping more often when you stick |
| (forever in many cases). | | | | to the perimeter. Fresh produce and vegetables |
| When you stay on the perimeter of the store, you'll | | | | simply do not have the shelf life- both in the store |
| find that you end up eating a healthier and more | | | | and in your home- as the processed goods. |
| nutritious diet. You are now eating real food- filled | | | | However, when you look at the real costs and |
| with vitamins and nutrients straight from nature, not | | | | benefits of your diet- including your long-term health |
| imitation fare created both to last forever on the | | | | and well-being, you undoubtedly will come to the |
| shelf and to satisfy our society's cravings for fat, | | | | same conclusion as me- perimeter shopping is a more |
| sugar and salt. | | | | affordable, healthy and fun alternative to "aisle |
| You'll also find that when you stay on the perimeter, | | | | shopping". |