HEALTH LESSONS IN AISLE 3

Author: KRISTIN BULL; Free Press Special Writer

Edition: METRO FINAL
Section: FTR; FEATURES
Page: 8J

Article Text:

Stacy Goldberg has discovered an unusual but practical classroom for her all-important lessons on healthy eating.

The grocery store.

"It's very hard for the average consumer to go into the store and make a decision," says Stacy, whose company, A Weigh of Life, offers one-on-one grocery store tours, among other services.

"There is an overwhelming need to help families live a healthier lifestyle," she says.

Stacy, a 32-year-old mother of two from West Bloomfield, is a registered nurse with a master's degree in public health. She is a staff nutritionist at Orchard Pediatrics in West Bloomfield.

Here are some of Stacy's tips for navigating the aisles in search of healthy eats:

On the yogurt shelves: Just because a yogurt is packaged in a kid-friendly portion doesn't mean it's the wisest buy. Stacy advises parents to avoid yogurts with added dyes and to be leery of those that boast "less sugar"- they likely contain artificial sweeteners. Stacy recommends Greek yogurt because it's high in protein.

In the dairy case: For families who can afford it, Stacy recommends dairy products made from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, which may cause cancer in humans. This is different from organic; look for a label that says "No rBST."

The cereal aisle: A cereal might be stamped "whole grain," but that doesn't mean it isn't full of sugar. Choose cereals with fewer than 130 calories and at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.

The bakery: Choose breads with 100% whole wheat flour as the first ingredient.

The freezer: Stacy is a fan of frozen vegetables, packaged at their peak nutrition level.

Fresh produce: Stacy recommends shopping for produce on Sunday, then spending an hour washing and cutting it for the week ahead. You pay for convenience, she says, so economically it makes sense to buy a head of lettuce and prepare it yourself rather than buy it in a package. She advises buying organic fruits and vegetables if you're going to be eating the peel.

TIPS

*For more, visit www.aweighoflifenutrition.com.

Click on "Resources/Links." Stacy gives occasional group tours at Plum Market in Bloomfield Township. For upcoming events or to schedule a personalized grocery store tour or consultation, call 248-563-2920 or send an e-mail to info@aweighoflifenutrition.com

HEALTHY SHOPPING

FEELING GREAT Armed with an envelope of coupons and an organized list, you're headed to the grocery store in search of healthy foods your family will enjoy. But even the savviest shoppers agree: Dissecting food labels and finding out what's truly good for you is no easy task. Nutritionist Stacy Goldberg has developed a unique way to help. Stacy offers personalized grocery store tours to help shoppers cope.