Shopping the perimeter

CorkscrewAnnie
3 min readJul 20, 2024

In which the author observes a big change in the location of things at the grocery store that end up in her grocery cart

Paper grocery bag sitting on a stool, with a fist sticking up out of the bag, brandishing a clump of dark green cilantro
This is an ironic choice of photo, because I HATE CILANTRO (i.e. soap leaves). However. Image by Foundry Co from Pixabay

In recent months, our diet has changed dramatically. Due to increasing risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity (which unfortunately seem to come as a deathly package at this age) our doctor laid down the law: cut the sugar, reduce the carbs, look for “good” fats, and much less the red meat.

It hasn’t been easy. I’m absolutely convinced that sugar is an addiction, and that craving remains strong.

During a recent trip to the grocery store, I noticed how much these dietary changes have changed the route I take and the stops I make when filling up the cart.

I seem to spend a lot more time in the produce section, at the fish counter, and perusing the poultry options. According to my sister (who preceded me on this diet) we are now trying to favor the Fin and Feather regime, with multiple vegetable sides. We’re cutting back on the Horns and Hooves choices, and definitely on the cured meats. No matter HOW good the bacon smells.

A photo of a grocery story produce aisle, with carrots, radishes, chard, cabbages, and various leafy green vegetables
I’m buying a lot more in this part of the grocery store Photo by Mark Stosberg on Unsplash

I am also spending a lot more time in the Natural Foods aisle, looking for whole…

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CorkscrewAnnie

Recreational writer, collector of antique corkscrews, urban gardener and retired management consultant. Still trying to figure out what to do when I grow up.