Use Geometry to Shop Smarter and Lose Weight

Photo Credit: Suat Eman

Eating wisely is the most effective way to shed a few pounds and look your best.  Doing so can be as simple as using your geometry skills!  When entering the grocery, remember that the more processed and packaged foods are usually found in the middle aisles.  These types of foods generally have a large amount of calories, bad fats, and sugars.  While not all of the “aisle items” are not unhealthy for you (i.e., brown rice or bran cereal), the general rule of thumb is that the packaged foods are usually not as healthy. Think about it, the aisles play host to cookies, crackers, soda, chips, sugary cereals and more.

Now think back to your school days and geometry class.  Picture the perimeter of the grocery store and which foods reside there.  The perimeter plays home to the produce section full of fruits and vegetables, the dairy section with low fat milk, yogurt, and eggs, and the fresh meat department offering food choices packed with protein, and the deli section with lunch-meats and cheeses.  Mostly unprocessed foods!  Therefore, the sugars and fats (except for high levels of saturated fats found in some meats) are healthier for you.  According to The New York Times, perimeter grocery shopping is on the rise because consumers are looking for more wholesome and unprocessed foods that aren’t offered in the center aisles.

While the perimeter offers fresh foods that hit all of the major food groups, there are a few edgy sections that are not.  The bakery may offer items such as whole wheat pita bread, along with rich treats and goodies high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates.  Unless you are picking up hearty, wholegrain bread, stay away from the temptations of the bakery.  Another section that may be on the perimeter is the alcohol.  While red and white wines have their health benefits, make sure you are consuming alcohol in moderation.

So as a general guideline, think geometry!  Stick to the outsides and avoid the center of the grocery store.  Eat whole foods that ROT as often as you can and you’ll experience a pleasant change in your SHAPE too!