Mom Seriously: Grocery Store

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Ever since my foray into couponing back in May of 2009, I've enjoyed blogging about saving money at the grocery store. But did you know that you can save your health, and your family's health, while you're there? It's all about what you put into the cart. Like all of life, the choices you make often carry long-term effects. And as moms, we're not just making individual, personal choices when we're food shopping. We're making decisions that affect our families. Join me now as I talk with my friend Arlene Pellicane, author of the new book, 31 Days to a Younger You: No Surgery, No Diets, No Kidding for some tips on smart grocery shopping!

Mom Seriously (MS): I talk about grocery shopping (and couponing) frequently on my blog--after all, it is where most moms spend a couple of hours each week! In your new book, you write, "One battle for your body's health is won at the grocery store." What do you mean by that, and why is it so important for moms, as the main grocery shoppers in the home, to be diligent in this area?

Arlene: That’s a great question! The battle is: “Will I put this bag of Oreos in my shopping cart? After all, they are on sale!” Once the food goes in the cart, it is inevitable that it will go on our hips! If we can be the gatekeeper at the grocery store, our families will have healthier options at home. When you are hungry, you just go for what looks best / is the easiest to eat. Will that food be grapes or Doritos? The decision is really made at the grocery store: What did you buy?

Arlene and husband James
Kids (L-R): Ethan, Noelle, Lucy

MS: As the mom of a picky eater, I know that one hindrance that many moms face is in getting their kids to eat right. Is that a problem at your house, with your three little ones?

Arlene: I wish I could say my kids love to eat vegetables but they don’t. When they see a solitary pea on their plate, you would think I just asked them to eat a plate of dog food! We’ve found a few snacks that are a step in the right direction:

Carrot and celery sticks
Edamame soybeans
Hummus and whole wheat pita bread
Apple slices
Frozen grapes or bananas
Whole wheat pretzels

MS: Arlene, what about drinking right? Lots of moms are heavily dependent on sugary coffee, sweet tea, and sodas in their daily routines. Any tricks for getting more water in?

Arlene: In the new book, I’ve written a chapter about water called, “Drink and Grow Rich.” Water is so wonderful because it’s so healthy and FREE. When you go out, make sure you carry water bottles with you in the car--for you and the kids. That way you’re ready with something when you’re thirsty. Instead of stopping for a coke, your thirst will be quenched. Keep a glass of water on your desk and drink while you’re doing emails or working.

MS: I've found, too, that getting water in the very first thing in the morning, when I'm having my quiet time, also sets the tone for the day. So, what do you think is the biggest obstacle that moms must overcome when it comes to eating (and drinking) right? What's keeping us from getting serious about it, for ourselves and our children?

Arlene: I would have to say unhealthy self-talk. What do I mean by that? Too many moms believe, “I can’t really lose weight. Even if I eat right, I’ll just slip back to my old ways, so what’s the use of trying?” If we don’t believe we can do it, we won’t.

MS: And the great thing for us to remember as Christians is that we can put this concern straight into the arms of the Lord. He cares about our health, and He cares about our families. Where we are weak, He is strong! When it comes to making the right choices for good health, remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!

Readers, my friend Arlene loves speaking to women at moms groups, seminars, and retreats. Arlene lives in Southern California with her husband James and their three children, Ethan, Noelle, and Lucy. Connect with Arlene at her website and blog.

Posts in this series:
31 Days to a Younger Me? Where Do I Sign Up?
Stock Up on Health at the Grocery Store
Instilling a Positive Body Image in Your Daughter