Entering the grocery store can be overwhelming. There’s dozens of aisles filled with thousands of choices. 

One simple (and super effective) nutrition strategy we recommend at Fitaholic Fitness? Shop the perimeter. 

Why? We want you to focus on eating clean, fresh, whole foods, and the perimeter of most grocery stores is where the fresh stuff lives. Here you’ll find the building blocks of balanced meals–the whole, minimally processed foods are high in nutrients and low in added sugars and preservatives that your body loves:

• Produce = fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens
• Meat and seafood = lean proteins and healthy fats
• Dairy or dairy alternatives = protein-packed options and gut-friendly picks
• Eggs = a protein powerhouse

The center aisles often stock:

• Ultra-processed snacks
• Sugary cereals
• Shelf-stable meals filled with additives
• Empty-carb temptations (looking at you, snack cakes)

Now don’t get us wrong—there’s a time and place for pantry staples like oats, canned beans, and spices. But when most of your cart comes from the perimeter, you’re stacking the odds in favor of better nutrition, more energy, and fewer crashes.

At Fitaholic Fitness, the best group fitness gym near Blaine, MN, we teach our members that nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional. Shopping the perimeter helps you stay focused on real, nutrient-dense foods that fuel strength, fat loss, and a better relationship with food.

Want to learn how to build meals that work with your workouts (not against them)?  Book your FREE 15-minute nutrition coaching consult with our Certified Nutrition Coach today and start making smarter choices—starting at the grocery store.