You’ve been working hard to improve yourself, your mind, your body, your life. You’re exercising on a consistent basis, you’re getting the right amount of sleep, and you’re drinking enough water. But, you don’t seem to be gaining muscle, or losing weight, or feeling any better. One of the things that might be hindering your progress is often overlooked or even neglected altogether. What are you throwing into your grocery cart when nobody is looking? You know what I’m talking about.
The bags of savory chips:
Those decadent cakes…
The ice cream? Yes, the rocky road…
Indulging every now and then can be a good thing, healthy even, but I think we’d all agree that there shouldn’t be more snacks than real foods in your normal weekly grocery shopping cart. I think we’d all also agree that eating nutrient-rich foods is foundational to living a rich, full, fit and healthy life. If that’s the case, then a regular grocery cart audit is probably necessary.
The Audit
It doesn’t matter if you eat Primal, Paleo or Ketogenic, Vegan or Carnivore, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, High Fat, Low Fat, or Low Carb, etc. What does matter is that you stick to your chosen dietary plan at least 80% to 90% of the time. This requires a moderate to high level of consciousness around what we’re actually purchasing when we shop. Just as tax season makes us more aware of our income and spending habits, an audit of the grocery cart should open our eyes to our buying and eating habits.
Performing the audit is easy; here are some suggested steps for your next shopping trip:
- Shop as you normally do. Don’t try to change a thing, just shop.
- Just before going to the checkout counter, take a few photos of your cart.
- Next, take photos of the food on the checkout counter. It’s best to take the photos from the perspective of a person standing in the line behind you, if possible.
- Set a reminder to view the photos a few days later, preferably about a day before you create your next grocery list.
- When you’re ready to view the photos, get real with yourself and notice and name what should and what shouldn’t be in your cart. Be as objective as you possibly can, knowing your fitness and your health could depend on it.
- Now make your new list. You might need to research alternate, healthier food ideas to replace any that you’ve deemed unhelpful or that shouldn’t be eaten on a regular basis.
The assistance of an objective friend or family member might prove quite useful, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when performing your audit.
Support Your Base
Good nutrition is a vital part of your base; auditing your grocery cart from time to time will go a long way in helping you keep your base strong. Remember, support your base and your base will support you.
Here’s to eating right and thriving daily!
Eric
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