2.3 min readBy Published On: January 10th, 2015Categories: Health and Wellness, Lifestyle1 Comment on A Trip to Whole Foods

Wrtten by Megan Ariagno of Nutritious Naviation

Ok ok, maybe you didn’t have the opening of the new Whole Foods in the South End marked on your calendar like I did.  When you talk about food all day with patients and clients like I do, this type of thing can be exciting!  Lucky for me, I don’t work on Fridays so I easily worked this into my morning routine.  Thanks to the #9 bus, it was practically a door-to-door experience!  Some of my highlights and a few grocery shopping tips:

  • I felt powerless in the produce section!  Everything looked so fresh.  This is where I think a store like Whole Foods shines.  They stock seasonal, local produce that is reasonably priced.  What’s in season now through February? Brussel sprouts, grapefruit, kale, kiwifruit, orange, pear, sweet potato, and turnips to name a few!  Organic is where you can feel the stretch on your budget.  The produce that has been shown to have higher pesticide amounts might be worth going organic for, if it’s in your budget.  These are called the “Dirty Dozen” and they include apples, strawberries, grapes, celery, peaches, spinach, sweet bell peppers, imported nectarines, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, imported snap peas and potatoes.  Organic or not, fruits and vegetables are giving you a great source of filling fiber, vitamin, minerals, and antioxidants!  
  • I’m sure this was an opening day perk, but at least 5 employees inquired if I needed any help.  Customer service is everything in my book.  If you’re going to go out of your way or make an extra to pick up some groceries, I’m a happy camper.  It’s highly important to have a good shopping experience.
  • For next time…Unfortunately I didn’t have enough spare time to browse through the seafood or meat section.  Looking forward to that!  With any grocery store, it’s easy to get carried away with the impulse buys.  Especially this time of year…Comfort Food!  Gameday food!  Pre-made green juices!  These are the items that can set you back, cost-wise.  If you take the time to look for what’s fresh and in-season, this Whole Foods can definitely offer plenty of healthy options.  Just watch the “impulse buys” that can easily rack up the bill!  
  • What I went home with: Cara Cara Naval Oranges (5 for $5!), Package of Baby Kale, Blood orange Hint Water, and Siggi’s Yogurt (on sale for 3 for $4)

Nutritious Navigation can always help you with food shopping guidance to better meet your health and weight needs.  Reach out to us on our website: www.nutritiousnavigation.com

Sources: ewg.org, fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

Whole Foods Market – 383 Harrison Ave.

 

One Comment

  1. Anonymous January 10, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    I didn't realize that the residents of the Pine Street Inn were into healthy foods. I wonder when they will start going to the spa.

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