Mindful Shopping, Mindful Living

December 2021

Mindful shopping is more than shopping for the needs of your family. It is more than shopping the latest weight loss trend. It is about what is best for you. It is what makes your body feel good. And that changes as we go through different stages in our lives. It is also different for every single unique one of us. That's why it is so darned hard to decide on the right foods and right trendy diets.

So, what if less is more? I have learned that no matter which diet plan I use, I have to adapt to the stages of being a woman in her 20s, 30s, pregnancy, after pregnancy, motherhood, working mom, tired mom, 40s. I can't keep up. I used to walk the aisles of the grocery store and put into the basket what looked good to me at the time, but that created unhealthy habits, a tired me, and a lot of wasted food in the refrigerator and pantry. Things I eventually threw away because they were never eaten before they expired.

Now, I plan my list. I know I have to meet the growing needs of two teenagers - a girl and a boy. But, I also have to take care of myself in order to have the energy to keep up with my kids and my own changing body. I focus on purchasing more organic foods that I ever have, and I avoid genetically modified fats such as corn oil and soybean oil. Often when we feel hungry during the day, it's because we're dehydrated and not drinking enough water. I work to drink half my body weight in water each day, which helps in overeating. If I know I am hydrated, I enjoy snacking on nuts, fruits, hummus and bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fiber crackers and salsa. I also add to my shopping list fish, beef, and chicken. I enjoy vegetables such as spinach, black beans, and green beans. And yes, I love chocolate. And that's okay! I try to stick to dark chocolate to satisfy my cravings, but I don't feel guilty if I treat myself now and again.

The reality is that you can eat what you enjoy, but getting enough water, eating balanced meals, snacking on healthy foods vs. chips, cookies and 5 Coca-Colas most of the day, every day, as well as noticing the amount you are eating at each meal is important. Working to change what you eat may not happen overnight, but small changes can make a big difference.