Order in or grow your own? Finding food beyond the supermarket
Modern pressures and food trends have not only changed what we’re eating, but also how we’re choosing to get our food.
It may be slow going, but there’s a growing trend in Australia for online grocery shopping. Whether you’re short on time or not interested in going to the supermarket anymore, the benefits are clear –it’s convenient, available 24/7, and delivered straight to your doorstep.
Big chain supermarkets such as Woolworths already have online shopping services, while smaller companies such as Aussie Farmers Direct are getting in on the action, too. There are also niche players such as GroceryRun, which focuses on dry goods, and Indo-Asian Grocery Store, offering an international flavour.
It’s interesting to note for a country that enjoys modern conveniences, most Australians have been slow on the uptake. According to the 2017 Modern Food Trends Report, only 18% of people shop online for their food, and only 24% of people use food delivery apps regularly. So, while some are taking full advantage of technology, it seems there is still plenty of room to grow.
Breaking the habit: how to resist the temptation of fast food
While the convenience of online shopping is slowly appealing to the majority, the convenience of fast food is having no such trouble. And it’s easy to see why – it’s cheap, addictive, and readily available. The problem is, once you’ve started eating fast food, it can be hard to break the habit, and it’s a dangerous spiral that can lead to a number of health problems. So, how do you resist?
It might take time and effort, but one solution is learning how to cook healthy meals. For some of us, cooking is a daunting challenge. But just like riding a bike, practice makes perfect.
So, take time to learn from others, join a cooking class or two, watch cooking tutorials on YouTube, and start off making simple meals. The truth is, if you’re filling up on healthy food, you’ll be less likely to reach for a packet of chips or drive through McDonalds.
Keep things fresh and exciting to stay motivated in the kitchen. When you’ve got a spare half hour, sit down and plan your meals for the week. Flick through cookbooks and check out websites such as Taste and Allrecipes for inspiration.
Once you have your inspiration, save yourself some time and order your groceries online. Alternating your meals each week will give you something to look forward to, and hopefully keep those cravings at bay.
How to grow your own produce
Spending too much money on food shopping? Whether you’re splurging on junk food or your weekly grocery shops are getting out of hand, it might be time to make a bigger change. Why not try to grow your own food?
More and more people are doing it – it’s not as hard as you think. It simply takes time, a little research, and good advice. In fact gardening is a great activity to do with your children. They can learn several important skills such as how to take responsibility for something, understanding cause and effect, teamwork, as well as a sense of accomplishment when it’s time to harvest.
If you choose the right produce to grow, you can save yourself a lot of money as well as discover a rewarding new hobby.
To get started, simply begin with a container garden. It’s a great option if you have limited space, and many herbs, vegetables and fruits grow well in containers. Have a little more space? Then consider starting a no-dig vegetable garden. It’s easy, requires no weeding, and is a good way to begin from scratch.
Kick it off with potatoes, pumpkins and beans. When you’ve picked up a real taste for growing your own food, consider starting your own worm farm. This will make your garden more sustainable, and is an environmentally friendly way of dealing with organic waste.
It starts with one step
The key to keeping yourself motivated when it comes to preparing your own food is to start small. Save time by ordering ingredients online, and trial fast and fresh homemade meals to build your cooking skills. And who knows what may happen – you may get healthier, no longer crave junk food, and become knowledgeable about where your food is coming from. You may even be inspired to grow your own food too!
By day Shayen works as a content marketing consultant at Web Profits and by night – and some days – he enjoys inspiring readers on the subjects of healthy living, self-improvement and making a difference. Since he’s been able to put crayon to paper, there’s nothing Shayen has loved more than telling a good story.
