Shop the perimeter

Here are 6 good reasons– well 5.5, if we give “rice cakes” the benefit of the doubt – to “shop the perimeter.”  That’s the advice from nutritionists and dietitians and other health-conscious folks who want us to eat for life and health (and not illness, lethargy, obesity and aging).It’s around the perimeter of the grocery store that you’ll find the produce section and the store’s selection of meats and fish.  Around the perimeter you can buy fresh food (maybe even organic or locally grown/ raised food) that is nutrient rich, with the vitamins and minerals (aka phytochemicals) that research is showing have powerful disease-preventing, anti-aging effects.  Shopping the perimeter you have the chance to choose foods that increase energy, boost the immune system, keep arteries clear, the heart strong, the digestive tract happy and metabolism powered up.What do you find cruising the inner aisles?  Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch, Cool Ranch Doritos, Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, liters of Coke and family-sized bags of M&Ms.  (You better NOT be salivating now.)Btw, the photo above is of my local Safeway.