🧠 Grocery Core Philosophy
The fewer ingredients, the better.
👉 If a product requires a paragraph to describe it, it’s probably not food.
☣️ Toxin Exposure Hierarchy
Focus here first:
- Ultra-processed foods
- Industrial seed oils
- Pesticide-heavy produce
- Plastic exposure
- Additives / preservatives
👉 Focus on reducing the biggest of sources of exposure first.
🧺 Where to Buy
- Local-owned, community markets
- Farmers markets
No local options?
- Use online direct-to-consumer brands
- Prioritize transparency over branding
- Ask: Can I trace where this came from?
👉 If not, assume lower quality.
Large Chain Stores
- Prioritize cost and scale over sourcing transparency
- Use complex global supply chains
- Rely on labeling that may not reflect true quality
👉 Use large chains selectively, not as your default.
🛒 How to Shop (Simple Framework)
1. Shop the Perimeter
Most real food lives on the edges:
- Produce
- Meat / fish
- Dairy
👉 The center aisles are where most ultra-processed foods live.
2. Read Ingredients (Not Marketing)
Ignore:
- “Natural”
- “Healthy”
- “Organic” (on packaged foods without context)
Focus on:
- Ingredient list length
- Ingredient clarity
3. Prioritize Real, Whole Foods
If budget is limited, focus here:
- High-quality meat / animal products
- Fresh, high-residue produce
- Dairy (if consumed)