Walking into a grocery store can feel like stepping into a maze of endless food options, but here’s the real question: how much of what you see can still be considered actual food?
Let’s break it down. By definition, food is “any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink in order to maintain life and growth.” That’s a pretty powerful statement. Words like nutritious substance and maintain life are key here, and they should be at the forefront of your mind as you stroll through those aisles.
The Grocery Store Test: Two Simple Questions
Here’s a fun exercise. As you pick up each item, ask yourself two important questions:
1. Will this nourish me?
2. Is this necessary for life and growth?
If you’re an adult, you can skip the “growth” part unless you’re aiming to grow horizontally (which, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t).
Produce: Nature’s Powerhouse
Start in the produce section. Easy win, right? Fruits and veggies are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that support your health. Here, you can confidently answer “yes” to both questions. Plus, their vibrant colors are a visual reminder of the nourishment they offer.
Meat and Fish: Protein Powerhouses
Next stop, the meat and fish section. Again, you can feel good about saying “yes.” Meat, fish, and eggs are loaded with essential proteins and fat-soluble vitamins. For an even better boost, opt for free-range, pasture-raised, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free varieties. These options provide not only nutrition but also peace of mind about what you are consuming.
Bread Aisle: Pause and Reflect
Now, things start to get a little murkier. As you roll into the bread section, ask yourself if this food is truly nourishing or necessary for life. Compared to the nutrient-dense foods already in your cart, most breads—yes, even the multi-grain ones—don’t measure up. Bread just isn’t essential for survival, nor is it a nutritional powerhouse.
Packaged Foods: Proceed with Caution
And then there are the aisles packed with processed foods. Here’s where things get really murky. Most packaged goods are loaded with ingredients you’ve never heard of and certainly don’t need. Even worse, they often contain synthetic vitamins, which can’t be used by your body the same way natural vitamins can. So those impressive numbers on the nutrition label? They’re not telling the full story.
Take a closer look at the ingredient list. How many items do you recognize as actual food? It can be pretty shocking to realize just how far these products stray from the definition of nourishment.
Discover the Hidden Gems
There are some hidden gems, though. Look for raw nuts, natural almond butter, raw honey, or maybe a locally made soup or stew. These items align with what your body needs and fit the definition of real food.
The Real Food Rule: Could You Hunt or Gather It?
Here’s a surefire way to determine if what you’re holding is real food: ask yourself, “Could I hunt this or gather it in nature?” If your distant ancestors could have found it, chances are it’s a nutritious, life-sustaining choice. Think fish, game, eggs, leafy greens, berries, root veggies, nuts, seeds, and seasonal fruit.
That’s real food. Simple, nourishing, and exactly what your body needs to thrive.
Conclusion: Stick to the Basics
The more you ask yourself these questions, the easier it will be to navigate the grocery store without falling into the processed food trap. Stick to what’s natural, whole, and nourishing—because when it comes to food, the simpler, the better. Happy shopping!
Happy, Healthy Eating!
Tracey