Originally published August 7 2005
Health food stores offer comfortable, valuable shopping experiences
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Health food stores are foreign to most people, but that feeling can be overcome by taking certain steps to prepare yourself for your shopping experience.
Health food stores are like supermarkets wearing Birkenstocks: Even the most upscale ones still exude a down-to-earth feel and a shared sense of values-natural, healthy and organic are a given.
"They do exist," says Cheryl Dicks, owner of Healthway Natural Foods in Washington, DC.
"For example, if you normally buy frosted cornflakes, try whole grain frosted cereals sweetened with honey."
Look for other healthy basics, such as organic quick brown rice and antibiotic-free meats.
"Of course, it's OK to veer from your list, too," says registered dietitian Suzanne Havala Hobbs, author of The Natural Kitchen: The Beginner's Guide to Buying and Using Natural Foods and Products.
be supplement-savvy: How to choose among the hundreds of vitamins, minerals and herbs?
"Do some homework first," says Judy Simon, RD, clinic dietitian at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.
"Determine why you want to take the supplement, which form is best-calcium carbonate versus calcium citrate, for example-and check for possible interactions if you take any medications."
go with the grains: Bins of grains, beans and nuts look inviting and eliminate wasteful packaging, plus they let you buy just the amount you need.
These closed bins help keep bacteria out and freshness in.
Vegetarian hot dogs, sausages, burgers and other meatless "meats" are good protein sources, since many are soy-based.
Ideally a serving should contain at least 14 grams of protein.
"As a frame of reference, a standard 3-ounce chicken breast has about 21 grams of protein," says Molly Kimball, RD, a sports and lifestyle nutritionist with the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in Louisiana.
So if you're replacing chicken in, say, a casserole, aim to replace it with about the same amount of soy protein.
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