Yep, I just went there. I know there’s a lot of people who don’t believe that what you choose to put into your body actually affects your health. But, I also know that there’s many people who are starting to question the quality of food and if the food we eat contributes to disease, sluggishness, autoimmune conditions, sleep disturbances, hormonal issues, and more. So, I wanted to talk about this topic, “Shop like your health depends on it”…because, in all reality, it actually does.

Now, I would be naive (and incorrect) to say that eating well is the only contributing factor to health, or, lack thereof. There’s many more aspects that play into one’s health. However, this is a topic that I’m super passionate about. So, I’m going to share a bit with you, in hopes of helping you and your family become healthier and happier, overall.

Let’s get right into the nitty-gritty–the GROCERY STORE! I absolutely love grocery stores and shopping for food that will fuel and nourish my family well. So, where and how do I shop? To be honest, where I shop isn’t as important as to how I shop. Personally, I love supporting local and eating food that is in season and grown by farmers in our area. With that being said, when you shop at farmer’s markets, ASK QUESTIONS! The number one question that usually answers all the others is this: “Is your produce organic and non-GMO?” If it is, then they won’t have used harmful chemicals and pesticides on it. However, I’m super picky about this, so sometimes I’ll ask about the pesticides, just to make sure I’ve covered all the bases.

As for the grocery store, simply shop the perimeter (in other words, stay away from the aisles, unless you’re buying things like organic nut butters, organic frozen fruits and veggies, or things of that nature). Here’s an easy guide:

1. Buy organic.
2. Buy REAL FOOD (If God made it, eat it–if He didn’t, stay away from it).
3. Buy tons of fruits and vegetables. If you’re not sure where to start, and you’re into sustainability and zero waste, check out Misfits Market and get $10 off your first box!
4. If you eat meat, buy organic, grass-fed & grass-finished…we like Butcher Box (currently, you can get 2 FREE NY Strip Steaks + $100 OFF–with this link)!
5. If you eat eggs, buy pasture-raised and organic…and if you have access to duck eggs, buy those. They have a higher nutrient profile.
6. If you eat cheese, opt for organic and raw dairy cheese. Also, goat or sheep cheese are great options; they tend to be easier for most to digest.
7. As for milk, if you don’t have a cow’s milk allergy, organic raw milk is best. If you have a local farmer nearby where you can get this, that’s fantastic. Our family doesn’t have one nearby, so we love (and highly recommend) Kalona Super Natural. It’s the closest thing to organic raw milk that you can purchase in grocery stores. Kalona Super Natural is organic and made from pasture-grazed, grass-fed, cows. It’s also Batch-pasteurized at the lowest temperature legally allowed and is Non-homogenized. It has that incredible cream top! Check out their website for all their healthy, tasty products and where they can be purchased.
8. If you do have a cow’s milk allergy, I highly recommend making your own nut milk with organic nuts, so you know exactly what is in your nut milk. It’s not very hard to make, and most nut milks in the store contain extra additives, like gums and preservatives. So, making your own is best.
9. Make shopping FUN!
10. And always STAY AWAY from your allergies! If you’re not sure what your food allergies are, send me a message about getting them tested by clicking “Contact” above.

I think I covered all the bases here. I wish I could take you on a tour of the grocery store and how we shop, but since I’m not everywhere in the world, this guide will have to do. Remember to have FUN, shop local, and if you have kids that shop with you, make it a game to see how many different healthful (and colorful) foods you can get into your cart.

Live in love, be loved, and live in health, happiness, and abundance!

xoxo,

~miranda

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