What does your pantry look like? If you’re like me, sometimes I find I come home with way too many boxes and pre-packaged items that will buy me instant silence from my children as soon as they are inserted into their mouths. Lately, it seems like my ‘junk shelves’ are filling up too quickly, and my fruit and vegetable drawers lack something to be desired. I saw this tip in ‘Prevention‘ magazine and thought I would share it with you.As soon as you get back from the grocery store, sit down with your receipt and three highlighter pens. Mark it up as follows:
BLUE for every fresh food you purchased, such as fruits, vegetables, and fresh fish.
YELLOW for all of the not-so-healthful packaged foods, including cookies, crackers, and frozen pizza.
PINK for those better-for-you in-between foods: wholesome but packaged goods like Greek style yogurt and instant brown rice.
Ideally, at least 75% of the items in your cart should be blue or pink. If not, bring your receipt on your next grocery trip to revamp your food repertoire.
guest post by Gena A. (Taken from ‘Prevention‘ August 2008 issue)
About Mom Spark
Great tips Gena! I love the idea of highlighting your receipts.
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I need to do this!! We’ve actually cut WAY back on boxed items, except when I’m making something special!! I try to remind myself every time to stick to the outside perimeter of the store…that’s where the healthy stuff is!!
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Oh yeah, nice mullet picture Gena…so far you’re winning in my mind!!
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I don’t know, curl queen. Please tell me that’s a perm.
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This is an awesome idea! I think I will have my husband do it. Remind me to send him with the markers! This is great!
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Gena, Yes it’s a horrible perm/semi-mullet, that I remind my mother of often!!
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That’s awesome! Really great tip. I try to buy as few packaged goods and as much “live” food as possible. It’s so hard with the kids, though, because they’re SO drawn to anything packaged. Darn marketing peeps! I am amazed, though, at how excited they get when I tell them I have berries for dessert!
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What a unique idea. I’ve heard of creating a “grocery list” where you put everything you use on it and then mark what you need and buy week by week, but I’ve never heard of the receipt tip.
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This is a fabulous idea!! I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing.
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Oooo! This is a good idea!
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