The practice of healthy, mindful eating is becoming more and more popular today. It is a trend that many believe will not only grow and stay within the restaurant industry, but will spill over to homes as well.
For instance, food service companies in the UAE regularly receive orders for organic products from businesses in the food and beverage industry and individuals and families who wish to have a healthier lifestyle.
Mindful Food Shopping and Dining Practices
Consumers who are already experts at making mindful food choices when shopping and eating at home follow certain steps and techniques which you can also adapt if you want to start having a healthier diet and lifestyle. These include:
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Creating a well-thought-out weekly menu
People who are pros at making mindful food choices spend time online looking for healthy meals and snacks. They will list down the nutritious meals and snacks they like or will have enough time to prep and cook before going food shopping.
They make sure to jot down all the ingredients they need for these meals and snacks, and bring this list with them when they go to the supermarket.
By having a list, you can be sure you will choose only healthy ingredients and food products. This will also help you stick with your budget and enable you to observe a balanced diet every day.
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Going organic
Buying organic foods is a no-brainer for mindful consumers. Produce items that do not contain pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and meat products that are not injected with hormones or genetically modified, are better and safer for one’s body.
Once you start buying and eating more organic food, your body will get more beneficial vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as antioxidants, naturally. Certain studies also show that organic food can help people with allergies to foods, chemicals or preservatives.
When they start eating more organic food and less processed ones, they find that their symptoms are relieved or resolved.
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Being open to different shopping options
Today’s modern consumers do not limit their food shopping jaunts to just the nearest supermarket or grocery store.
They check out the local and nearby farmers’ markets and shops that showcase fair-trade products. They also consider buying food online and getting delivery as long as they know they are getting fresh products and highly recommended food items.
By visiting the local farmer’s market, shops and events that showcase fair-trade products, you can be certain that you will have more organic, chemical-free food options. In addition, you will be helping local farmers and small business owners — hardworking individuals and even families that need your support.
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Reading food labels thoroughly
When health-conscious consumers shop for packaged foods, they take the time to read the Nutrition Facts labels. They do this to find out what’s in them and what they will be eating.
This is a practice that you need to develop as well if you want to start making more mindful food choices. Keep in mind that many packaged foods have certain amounts of sodium, saturated fats or sugars even if the package says they do not contain them. You have to keep a close eye on these unhealthy ingredients and additives.
Even products advertised and labeled “natural” or “healthy” can be hiding sugar through another name. They may be written or listed as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and barley malt – all of which pertain to unhealthy sugar.
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Choosing healthier options
Developing the habit of reading the label before buying a product aids consumers in making smarter and healthier purchases. This is also crucial in aiding them in selecting healthier foods and products.
Before putting a product in your cart, compare similar items and choose the one that is lower in fat, calories and sodium. Knowing healthier options for proteins (for instance, turkey over pork chops) and other foods will also allow you to enjoy more nutritious meals and snacks.
If you want to start making mindful food choices, follow these tips. Making healthier, smarter food choices when shopping and eating at home is now easier to do now because there are various ways and tips that will help you achieve this goal.
AUTHOR BIO
Jad Assad is the Marketing Manager at Horeca Trade LLC with more than eight years of experience in digital, online and offline marketing. He started his career in Beirut working in a creative agency and then moved to Dubai to further expand his career. He created and implemented award-winning high-impact digital and offline marketing campaigns that consistently generated revenue streams and improved performance in targeted segments.
