Over the river and through the woods—for groceries
While I'm talking about healthy versus unhealthy food choices, imagine for a moment this scenario. What if you had to take a bus or a cab to get to a grocery store that even offered a selection of fresh produce and pasture-fed beef? Maybe it'll take an hour to get there. And because you had to walk to the bus stop and will come back laden with packages, you know you can only get what you can comfortably carry. How easy would it be for you to choose the healthier lifestyle?
This may not be what you experience when you go shopping, but it's the experience of many people who live in some of the larger cities across this country—especially among lower-income neighborhoods.
Generally, what these areas lack in good groceries, more than make up for in fast-food joints and corner convenience stores, whose grocery selections are generally anything but healthy—and cost an arm and a leg, to boot.
How well would you do at achieving a healthy lifestyle with these odds stacked against you?
Needless to say, it's a challenge. Trying to build a healthy meal plan with less- than-optimum choices can way-lay any attempts you're making to improve your health and overall diet.
More people would be inclined to eat well if they had access to good food choices. Think about it this way: If you have a party at your home and put out potato chips, cheese and crackers, hot wings, cupcakes and cookies, it'll probably look like locusts flew through and cleaned off your table for you.
But how many times have you been surprised when you put out a vegetable tray with a bean dip and a bowl of fresh fruit—and a healthy dent is made in those items, too?
If you live in one of these larger urban areas, call your local health department and let them know your concerns. Maybe they can alert you to any plans to set up a farmers market in your area or offer you some other options.
And don't dismiss entirely those little corner stores. They're owned by people who want to make a profit, so let them know what you want to buy. Some of these convenience stores are beginning to offer fresher items that can help you in your quest for fresh food.
It may be a challenge, but it can be done. A little planning and ingenuity will be key to your success.
