April 2 Weekly Challenge: The Outer Ring
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themedalist
Posts: 3,212 Member
Theme: Healthy Eating
Challenge: The Outer Ring
Grocery store design and planning is big business. Every square inch of a grocery store is planned in advance with a single goal in mind: to get shoppers to spend more time and money in the store. About half of grocery purchases are for unintended purchases. We may go in with a list, but we come out with the list items and then some.
Despite the many differences in grocery store layouts and aesthetics, there is one feature most stores have in common. The outer ring or perimeter of the supermarket is where you’ll find many of the healthiest food options. It’s where the fresh fruits and vegetables are located, as well as an array of meats, seafood, and dairy options. Many of these items need refrigeration because they’re not processed and full of preservatives. They are in their natural states.
Of course, there are exceptions. There are certainly some questionable items available from the outer ring as well as many healthy choices found in the inner aisles. Nothing is absolute. Still, shopping the outer ring is generally regarded as a good practice. So this week, let’s take a few more minutes and do an extra lap or two around the outer ring. Let’s put a few more items in our baskets this week that need no list of ingredients.
There are lots of ways to implement this challenge. I think I’m going to try a few new foods from the perimeter of my local Market Basket. Foods I’ve wondered about, like kefir, but haven’t tried yet. You could also try making a meal or two from items found only in the outer ring. Or make it a goal this week to avoid that snack and chips aisle, choosing instead a better option from the outer ring. Whatever works best for you and your family!
This week’s challenge: Let’s all peruse and choose some interesting healthy options from our supermarket’s outer ring!
Make it a great week!
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Suggested Resources:
How to Buy Food: The Psychology of the Supermarket
https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/supermarket-psychology
In Grocery Stores, the Perimeters Take Center Stage
https://nyti.ms/Mn7sRc
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Challenge: The Outer Ring
Grocery store design and planning is big business. Every square inch of a grocery store is planned in advance with a single goal in mind: to get shoppers to spend more time and money in the store. About half of grocery purchases are for unintended purchases. We may go in with a list, but we come out with the list items and then some.
Despite the many differences in grocery store layouts and aesthetics, there is one feature most stores have in common. The outer ring or perimeter of the supermarket is where you’ll find many of the healthiest food options. It’s where the fresh fruits and vegetables are located, as well as an array of meats, seafood, and dairy options. Many of these items need refrigeration because they’re not processed and full of preservatives. They are in their natural states.
Of course, there are exceptions. There are certainly some questionable items available from the outer ring as well as many healthy choices found in the inner aisles. Nothing is absolute. Still, shopping the outer ring is generally regarded as a good practice. So this week, let’s take a few more minutes and do an extra lap or two around the outer ring. Let’s put a few more items in our baskets this week that need no list of ingredients.
There are lots of ways to implement this challenge. I think I’m going to try a few new foods from the perimeter of my local Market Basket. Foods I’ve wondered about, like kefir, but haven’t tried yet. You could also try making a meal or two from items found only in the outer ring. Or make it a goal this week to avoid that snack and chips aisle, choosing instead a better option from the outer ring. Whatever works best for you and your family!
This week’s challenge: Let’s all peruse and choose some interesting healthy options from our supermarket’s outer ring!
Make it a great week!
............................................................................................................................................
Suggested Resources:
How to Buy Food: The Psychology of the Supermarket
https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/supermarket-psychology
In Grocery Stores, the Perimeters Take Center Stage
https://nyti.ms/Mn7sRc
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Replies
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It’s Move It Monday! Please post your Monday workouts here:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10637806/move-it-monday-weekly-challenge
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I have to say that I have become move shopping savvy when I am at the grocery store. This challenge will give me the boost I need to get better at it and make it a priority every time I shop. Thanks Denise! Just what I needed.3
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I've heard about that method of shopping. I tend to spend a lot more time in the meat section than the fruit and veggie section. I try to stick to chicken and fish, but steak and chops are so darn good. I also need to cut back on ground beef, but tacos are life! I've tried ground turkey and it's just not the same. Anywho, I'll work on my food selections this week.
I haven't done much on move-it Mondays, but today, I'm going to get my keister outta my chair more often. I'm only up to 3,247 steps and it's already 10AM! if I want to make 10,000 a day, I need to make sure I get at least 7,000 to 7,500 while I'm at work.3 -
"tacos are life!"
Well said, @MmamabearR!
I think our grocery store shopping patterns are a well-ingrained habit. Which is why I thought this challenge might be a good one. I know I tend to buy the same things over and over again. Which gets me out of the grocery store faster, but at a cost. I want to always be receptive to trying new things and not just stuck in my ways. Trying new things can also become a good habit.2 -
My husband is retired and I still work full time, so we keep a grocery list and my husband does the grocery shopping every Tuesday for us now. So I usually just grab whatever we have to pack my lunches and snacks for work. So, for this challenge, I think I will take my lunch today and run over to the Thyme Market and pick up some food on the perimeter for my lunches and snacks this week. This market is near my job and is mostly organic, so the veggies and fruits should be pretty healthy! Next week, I might have to be more specific on the grocery list as to what I want him to pick up!
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This is an awesome challenge. I will definitely focus on the outer ring of Kroger and make some better choices this week.2
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Another thoughtful challenge! Thank you for the resources. I'm going to add a "perimeter walk" to my grocery list for my grocery shop to see what I can discover that is new, or even something that I used to purchase that has fallen off my grocery list
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I learned a long time ago while watching a news program that grocery stores also routinely change up where things are in the store to get people to buy more while discovering new products either that one is unfamiliar with, or that are being introduced to the store's stock. Since learning about that I have always made it my personal mission when my local store does this not to buy anything that I am unfamiliar with, or that is a new product, that I see while trying to find what I have on my list during the transition time. I refuse to give into this.
I have also spoken to store managers over the years and they always seem surprised that I am aware of at least some of the reasons for this. I also tell them what I do while trying to find what I'm looking for. I have had some good reactions when I tell them . I have watched products rearranged from left to right on the same shelf, left or right side of the aisle, or their position is moved a shelf or two vertically from where it was, and occasionally, on a completely different aisle.
Kefir is awesome . I recently discovered it while checking out the yogurt offerings in the dairy section for something different that might be more tummy friendly or healthy. I use the plain, unsweetened kind. I drink it in small doses at a time. What I like about the brand I found is that it is "Naturally cultured after pasteurization to ensure 100% live and active cultures." (12 different cultures) and is "99% Lactose Free" according to the wording on the carton. Perhaps I will eventually find other ways to use it.
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You are right @texasgardnr my local Walmart and Publix did a complete overhaul and changed everything. Funny that I found onions on the section where all the pork and bbq sauces were. Tricks and more tricks to get us to buy more junk.3
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hi. I'm new here. I currently live in Germany and most grocery stores here are set up a little different. not as big and spacious as in the US for one, but also not as clearly an outer perimeter. I will try, however, to bypass the unhealthy chips and snack aisles.6
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Great post @themedalist ! I never thought about how the bad foods are encroaching on the produce, meat, and dairy sections. I was wondering why the dairy case now has a big section of cold-brewed coffee (with all the sweet and high fat additions that we know and love so well). Also, there is a new freezer case with outrageously expensive "meals in a box" in the produce section. Now, I understand why.
My daughter was explaining to me the Costco strategy for when it offers particular samples - like Friday evening they offer dinner entrees (because no one shopping on Friday wants to cook dinner). I wish I could find a link to the article she must have read but couldn't. Perhaps, she figured it out from her own observations.
@MmamabearR , you are right - "Tacos are life!" Have you tried replacing the ground beef with chicken breast? I've done this and even my suspicious husband likes it.2 -
@MmamabearR , you are right - "Tacos are life!" Have you tried replacing the ground beef with chicken breast?
I definitely should do that! I cannot believe I haven't yet.
I love going to Rosa's and having their chicken fajitas, but I never think to have chicken tacos. All I gotta do is replace the flour tortilla with corn and viola! I usually have ground beef or carne asada tacos. This past weekend for Easter I made tacos with barbacoa (beef cheeks). and sometimes I make carnitas (shredded pork and pan fried to make it crispy). but not chicken. I'm missing out! I think tonight for supper I'll give it a try and let you know how it goes
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@77tes I had a delicious supper!! It was so, so good. I chopped up some chicken breasts, cutting against the grain so it would be easy to chew. I seasoned it with a little garlic salt, some lemon, butter, herb seasoning, and some Red New Mexico Chile powder (only the best
). It was soooo delicious! topped of course with lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and homemade salsa. I definitely have a new love and I get to eat more tacos!!! Thank you, again, for the recommendation. 3 -
@MmamabearR , your descriptions of your tacos are killing me!!! Glad you liked the chicken. I'll have to try cutting the chicken breasts across the grain. I usually simmer them and then shred them.1
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I had thought about that @77tes, but I was low on time, so I thought cutting the breasts small and cooking them in my dutch oven would be faster. In the end, i think it took the same amount of time as the simmer and shred, but it was still good.2
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Great post @themedalist ! I never thought about how the bad foods are encroaching on the produce, meat, and dairy sections. I was wondering why the dairy case now has a big section of cold-brewed coffee (with all the sweet and high fat additions that we know and love so well). Also, there is a new freezer case with outrageously expensive "meals in a box" in the produce section. Now, I understand why.
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@77tes, so very true what you wrote. I took a purpose spin around the outer ring of the nearby national chain store this morning. No wonder I have been just buying what I need and don't spend much time looking for anything new or not on my list. Yes, more unhealthy (to me) choices are taking up residence in the perimeter.
But to their credit I have taken to buying the regular mushrooms at this store because they are locally grown and the quality is more consistent. I did pick up a bag of mini sweet multi colored peppers. These had fallen off my produce radar for a good while. They were actually very fresh looking so I purchased. Also occasionally, this branch store has been introducing unique items at times in the produce area, when in season. So I do keep an eye out for that routinely.
Later this week, or early next week I will take a different purposeful walk around the outer ring, this time in my favorite grocery store (located primarily in my state). They purchase as much as possible locally, as well as in Texas. And offer national brands, of course.
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texasgardnr wrote: »Great post @themedalist ! I never thought about how the bad foods are encroaching on the produce, meat, and dairy sections. I was wondering why the dairy case now has a big section of cold-brewed coffee (with all the sweet and high fat additions that we know and love so well). Also, there is a new freezer case with outrageously expensive "meals in a box" in the produce section. Now, I understand why.
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@77tes, so very true what you wrote. I took a purpose spin around the outer ring of the nearby national chain store this morning. No wonder I have been just buying what I need and don't spend much time looking for anything new or not on my list. Yes, more unhealthy (to me) choices are taking up residence in the perimeter.
But to their credit I have taken to buying the regular mushrooms at this store because they are locally grown and the quality is more consistent. I did pick up a bag of mini sweet multi colored peppers. These had fallen off my produce radar for a good while. They were actually very fresh looking so I purchased. Also occasionally, this branch store has been introducing unique items at times in the produce area, when in season. So I do keep an eye out for that routinely.
Later this week, or early next week I will take a different purposeful walk around the outer ring, this time in my favorite grocery store (located primarily in my state). They purchase as much as possible locally, as well as in Texas. And offer national brands, of course.
:flowerforyou:
The encroachment of the outer ring made me pause a bit and wonder if this would be a good challenge. I think “shop the perimeter” was promoted more a few years ago before the influx of clearly unhealthy items.
Very few things in life are black and white and despite the encroachment, I think this is still a good guideline. It’s a good practice to eat minimally processed foods and in their natural state. I like Kind bars a lot, but I can’t pick them off a tree.
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