What Does “Better Choices” Really Mean, Anyway?
Food is important to people. It’s personal to people. And for good reason. We learn from our parents, family and friends about food, cooking and what we like and dislike. It becomes even more personal when we start to connect the food and lifestyle choices we make with our health.
What happens when we break down all the daily lifestyle choices we make pertaining to our health? Ultimately, we may just begin to realize that we have to start making different choices—or as we like to say at IGA, we want to start making better choices. Whether it’s smaller portions, increasing how much we’re moving, or getting a good night’s sleep, you might be surprised at how reasonable and easy those better choices can be to include in your day.
- What if you just want to remember to eat a piece of fruit or a vegetable every day?
- What if you just started realizing there may be more to food than how it tastes?
- What if you have a goal of running a race?
- What if you just want to feel a little better, move a little more, and eat a little smarter?
All of these could be considered better choices and steps to achieving a healthy, active lifestyle and all of them inspire us in terms of helping you navigate the choices you see every time you come into your local IGA store.
And you’re not alone. In fact, a recent report from dunnhumby, the world’s leading customer science company, showed that people want and expect their grocer to help them learn more about health and wellness. So we are embarking on a health-and-wellness journey to help you make better choices.
What’s our philosophy? We believe that it’s all about balance and enjoying occasional treats while making wise choices every day. Moderation is key, and with a little planning, pretty much all your favorite things fit in just fine. Want that piece of birthday cake on your birthday? Have it by balancing with a healthier meal and some activity. Simple, right? And more importantly, something you can do for a lifetime.
And pretty soon, you just might find that your small, better, choices become bigger ones.
It can happen. Because better choices are all about taking that first step, wherever that may be for you.
IGA Health & Wellness Advisor Kim Kirchherr, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, FAND (@KimKirchherr) is a Registered Dietitian and the Vice President of National Dairy Council. Kim completed both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at Eastern Illinois University, where she was a graduate assistant for the Dining Services Department. For nearly ten years, Kim was the dietitian/nutrition spokesperson for Jewel-Osco (and SuperValu’s Midwest region 2006-2012). For more visit: www.IGABetterChoices.com.
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