6 Key Grocery Shopping Mistakes Nutritionists Want You To Stop Making

Purchasing Pre-Washed Lettuce

Buying a bag of pre-washed and cut lettuce is one of the most convenient ways to prepare a salad. However, most consumers do not think about how the lettuce is washed and packaged and who is involved in handling it. During the picking, washing, and bagging process, the lettuce passes through many hands, which creates more opportunity for contamination. Listeria, salmonella, and even E. coli could be lurking in these convenient bags of greens, particularly because the leaves are younger than those on an average head of lettuce and, therefore, more susceptible to bacterial infection. As a result, it is better to buy a loose head of lettuce and wash it at home. Doing so prevents nasty bacteria from contaminating the lettuce and gives families the peace of mind that their salad has not been handled by multiple employees first.

Assuming A Dairy-Free Or Gluten-Free Product Is The Healthiest

Consumers who are on a dairy-free diet often purchase alternative milk and cheese products, many of which contain additives most adults cannot pronounce. These additives and preservatives reduce the nutritional value of the food, which is why nutritionists recommend selecting organic dairy alternatives. To optimize nutritional value, look for a brand that contains as few ingredients as possible. Similarly, many gluten-free options are laced with additives, fillers, and preservatives to keep them on the shelf longer. Natural, gluten-free grains, such as oats and quinoa, are better alternative protein and energy sources. Both are easy to find and reasonably cheap.