Diet Derailers: Junk food on aisle 3

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Sep 22nd 2008 7:30AM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

Derail. You know the word. Let's face it, most of us working toward good health through diet and exercise have an intimate relationship with the word. Diet derailers are everywhere -- in your house, in the grocery store, at work, at play, in your head even. Here, we'll address the very things that throw us off course. Together, we'll learn how to avoid our diet traps -- and how to get back on track when we can't.

I am definitely derailed by aisle number three in my local grocery store. It calls my name, jumps out at me, and all but drags me in its direction, where cookies and crackers line its shelves. Cookies are not my issue. Crackers are. My favorite: Wheat Thins, reduced fat usually, because I convince myself these are better than the full-fat version. Ritz crackers come in second. Anything graham cracker-related does the trick too. I'm a sucker for these carb-y snacks and any day I make it out of the supermarket sliding doors without a packaged treat is a day marked by victory.

Aisle three may not be your derailer. Maybe it's the ice cream aisle, the bakery, the cereal shelves. Regardless, grocery stores can be dangerous places for those of us trying to live the nutritious straight and narrow. For one, the most diet-toxic foods are prominently placed to encourage our reach. Even pasta is problematic -- ever noticed that mac and cheese is usually at eye level, while whole wheat pastas line the upper or lower shelves? And what's up with those end-of-aisle displays? Captivating, aren't they? I spotted a Buy One Get One Free deal on one the other day. The prize: Two boxes of Fruit Loops for the price of one. There's also the convenience factor. Neatly packaged bundles of crackers, ham, and cheese and frozen boxes of dinners made for the microwave -- can it get any easier? Or any more unhealthy?

Clearly, shopping for food can lead us down slippery slopes. We can overcome, though. Here's how.

Head to the store when your tummy is full and you won't be so quick to grab at goodies.
Go to the supermarket armed with a healthy shopping list to keep you on track. Here's one you can borrow.
Look at food labels, and learn to read and understand them. Get some tutoring here.
Avoid the inside aisles of your food shop, where processed, sugary, and fatty foods live. Stick to the outside for fresh, whole foods.
Buy single-serving portions to satisfy a craving. That little circus box of animal crackers with the string handle is what I've been grabbing lately.
Send someone else to the store for you to avoid temptation altogether.

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