Shopping - Put Health in Your Cart

Have you ever unloaded your grocery cart at the check out and wondered how all that junk food got there? Marion Nestle, author of "What to Eat" says shopping the perimeter of the store will result in healthier selections.

Fresh, healthier foods are found on the outskirts of your grocery store. Colorful fruits and vegetables, fish, dairy and meat are all found on the perimeter. When you delve into the center aisles, you're more likely to select unhealthy processed foods.

However, in these tight financial times, what's a person to do? The perimeter of the store may contain fresher and more nutritious foods, but they also tend to be more expensive. Try shopping the perimeter first -- plan your meals and spend the bulk of your grocery budget on the most healthful foods. Then, with specific items in mind, venture into the center aisles and look for inexpensive but healthful foods such as frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains (like as brown rice and quinoa) and beans.