How to Get to Know Produce Managers & Wholesalers to Negotiate Deals on Fresh Produce (Plus, AZ Fruit Reviews)

July 22, 2012 by Brian Greco Fruit, Tips & Tricks No comments yet...

This article contains key phrases for:

  • Getting to know produce managers and wholesalers
  • Finding the best quality and deals on fresh fruits and vegetables
  • How to buy in bulk your first time at a produce market
  • What to do to maintain a good relationship as a customer

But first, a quick hello back from Pennsylvania! I have just returned from my 7-week stay in Arizona and have had the experience of a lifetime. I really enjoyed meeting tons of great new people, learning the Uzbek language, walking and hiking around Phoenix with great vistas and breathtaking sunsets, and so much more. (You can check out my entire day by day journal at my blog UzbekBrian if you like.) Having come back home I was inspired to write an article for the site and share some new ideas with you today.

Let me tell you, if you are from the East Coast or elsewhere around the world, you would not believe the amazing availability and prices that I was able to find just within easy walking, driving, or free public transportation around my dorm at Arizona State University. Every time I shopped I was simply stunned at how enjoyable it was to eat a high-fruit diet there. Plus the freshness of fruit works so well in the heat. From what I have gleaned it seems that the West Coast really is the place for me, at least in terms of diet, but I think also in terms of weather, vibe, activities, facilities, and so on.

Here are just some of my favorite fruits I ate while in Arizona:

Phoenix Area Stonefruit Finds

Apriums – around 1.99lb at the Safeway, very good and sweet and velvety
Regular apricots – only 99c or 1.99/lb sometimes! Got a deal on organic for 49c/lb!
Red apricots – 2.99/lb at Safeway, 3.99/lb at Whole Foods, very ripe and juicy!
White peaches – lot of different cultivars, no more than 1.99/lb ever, sometimes 99c/lb
Yellow peaches – also many varieties, sometimes even under 99c/lb and grown nearby
White nectarines – one of my staples. Negotiated 25lb cases for $28 at Sunflower Market
Yellow nectarines – also very good, sometimes very large and sweet. ~1.99/lb
Donut peaches – found at Mekong Supermarket and Sunflower Market for 1.99-2.99/lb
Donut nectarines – found only once at Mekong for 1.69/lb, totally delicious white variety
Sugar plums – found at Mekong sometimes Sunflower for 1.99/lb, varying ripeness though
Honey plums - also only at Mekong, never tried them before, 1.99/lb, not too ripe though
Regular plums - all over any supermarket and usually pretty ripe at 1.59/lb maybe
Red pluots – at Whole Foods probably around 2.99/lb depending when you shopped

Phoenix Area Tropical Fruit & More

Jackfruit – yum yum yum! Had never gotten my hands on any. 1.99/lb cut, 99c/lb whole
Durian – available whole at Mekongfor 2.29/lb I think. Always worth it!
Papaya – Hawaiian papaya, Maradol papaya, and Mexican papaya all for decent prices
Persimmons – tracked down some nicely ripe fuyus at Safeway, a bit pricey though
Figs – cookie-dough-ripe black mission figs at both Whole Foods and Sunflower!
Melons – really great melon selection! Honeydew, canary, hami, and even Uzbek melons
Rambutan – varied a lot in freshness, but found a lot of great red ripe ones at 2.99/lb
Lychees – varying sweetnesses of lychees at Mekong and Super L, not the best I’ve had
Dragonfruit – found white dragonfruit at Mekong and Super L, was decent, not too sweet
Young Thai coconuts – never was into these but got hooked, <1.59/ea sometimes
Grapes – organic green were cheaper than PA regular! As low as 88c/lb, usually 1.99/lb
Cherries – found sweet red cherries for 99c/lb. Washington Rainier cherries 4.99/lb too
Dates – California Medjool dates and lots of others if I looked around more probably
Bananas – burro bananas, apple bananas, and other cool baby bananas were here

Other notes: Also found tons of no-sugar-added tropical fruit pulps at Super L Ranch. They had mamey sapote, cashew fruit, soursop, yellow cherries, and more. Very cool to see! Also some cool canned fruits. (Underline text links to videos). Of course, all kinds of apples, oranges, pears, pineapples, kiwis, berries, and other tree fruits were everywhere and at cheap standard prices. Plus, all the free citrus hanging from trees! I mean, except for maybe eggfruit or some other sapotes, I literally dined on every single of my favorite foods. So grateful. And if you think about it, my Californian nectarines or Mexican mangos could practically be considered local!

Here are some photos from my Instagram @geckogreco:

And here are some fruit-featuring videos at the Brian on Health channel:


Now for the article…

Last time in How to Buy Bulk Fruit at Regular Supermarkets, I outlined some of the most helpful tips I’ve accumulated over the years for getting the best out of produce shopping at your local markets. I always like to emphasize the importance of a good supply of fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet for anyone. If you are like me and eat a fruit-based diet, sourcing high-quality, properly ripe, and reasonably-priced fruit is especially pertinent.

It has taken me almost two or three years on this style of diet to truly fully realize the importance of developing a relationship with produce managers and wholesalers. Though supermarkets can be handy and helpful, hands down the best way to get your hands on a good quantity of good quality produce is to BUY BY THE CASE. The absolute easiest and most enjoyable way to get this accomplished is to actually speak with the people who sell the food you’re looking for and negotiate deals.

On the whole, produce sellers are very friendly people who will be extremely happy to see that you are interested in their product, and lots of it. However, there are a couple things you have to realize when you are shopping this way. These people are usually not involved in customer service, so it is important to be clear about what you are looking for. Anyone who is seriously interested in buying bulk produce should be aware of these 4 things:

4 Things to Communicate to Produce Managers

#1: You need to emphasize exactly how much produce you’re talking about. Really, drive that point home, because for most people, produce is decoration. Whether you are a fruit eater like me, or you want to start a small coop, or you have a large family, or you eat tons of vegetables, or you have a restaurant or personal cooking business, or WHATEVER your situation may be, you must communicate yourself well or you will not be helped and will get neither the product nor the prices you want.

#2: You need to let them know that ripeness and sweetness is essential. I have said it before and I will say it again, RIPENESS IS KEY! YOUR CUISINE AND DIET OVERALL WILL SUCK IF YOU ARE EATING UNRIPE FOOD! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON AN ENTIRE CASE OF PAPAYAS OR MANGOS TO FIND THEY ARE ENTIRELY GREEN! AND SO ON! Okay, done. Next.

#3: If you are on a budget, you need to be clear about what you can pay. Below we will cover some key phrases if you want to get deals on produce that is just about to go bad and will not be sold, or is perhaps over ripe or unsalable for other reasons. Whether that or you’d just like to focus on more affordable produce with a higher turnover rate like bananas or apples, this will be important to communicate so they don’t end racking you up a giant bill which is not what you had in mind.

#4: If budget is not your first priority, be clear that you are willing to pay, you just need to get hold of the stuff. Sometimes life manifests financial abundance or you have availability in other ways, and it’s not so much the money that’s the problem, it’s that you just need to be able to source the food and must go via someone in order to get it. In this case, tell them: I am willing to pay. I have the money. Now do your job and find me some good fruits and vegetables! Politeness or a small tip doesn’t hurt too. :)

List of Key Phrases for Negotiating Good Deals on Produce

What to say at your first visit to the store:
#1: I’m interested in buying produce in bulk. Do you think you could you help me out?
#2: I was wondering could talk to the produce manager. I have a couple questions.
#3: I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and it’s important that I find good quality produce.
#4: I have a special diet and eat a lot of fruit. I was wondering if you could help me out.

What to say at your next couple visits to the store:
#1: Hey! The crazy produce guy/girl is back. What do you have in?
#2: Thanks so much for your help the other day. I’ll definitely be in regularly.
#3: Last time _____ was the best. I’d like to pick up some more today.
#4: I got _____ for _____ last time. Could we do that deal again?

What to say when you are a regular customer:
#1: Hey! Back to load up on food. What looks good today?
#2: I’ve been really enjoying _____, do you have any more of those?
#3: I love to eat what’s in season. What do you have in _____?
#4: Got any _____ today? Do you think you could order them for me?

What to say to show your appreciation and maintain a good relationship:
#1: I know you always have something good ready for me here.
#2: Thank you so much for helping me find what I need. I appreciate it.
#3: I am really grateful for your store and helpful service. Thank you.
#4: I always know to come here for the best selection and prices.

If you really want to get some good deals:
#1: Think you could help me out with a bulk discount since I’m buying _____?
#2: I come here often and appreciate any deals you could offer on _____.
#3: I see you have some _____ over there. Could I give you _____ for that?
#4: Any produce about to go bad? Do you think I could take it off your hands?

If you are interested in any special requests:
#1: Eating organic is important to me. What organic produce do you have available?
#2: I’m looking for exotic fruits (give examples). Would you be able to source them?
#3: I know _____ isn’t in season now, but I’m craving it. Is it available for order?
#4: Tropical fruit is my favorite. Could I place an order for _____? What’s the price?

So there we have it. I hope this article has helped inspire you to continue on the journey towards yummy healthy food and get a clear idea of one excellent strategy for getting the food you want at the prices and quality you need. If anyone asks, be sure to tell them Brian Greco at Brian on Health sent you! I’m telling you, I should be a spokesperson for the produce industry! Enjoy.

Question of the day: What’s your favorite fruit? Do you buy in bulk? Do you know your local produce vendors?


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
Follow me on Twitter @BrianonHealth to stay in the loop!

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8 Simple Tips for Applying the Law of Attraction to Meet New People & Open Up to Opportunity

June 6, 2012 by Brian Greco Personal Development, Tips & Tricks 4 comments...

What is the law of attraction? It’s a topic with a lot to talk about, a lot shrouded in mystery or stereotype, and unfortunately a lot of BS surrounding it, but it can actually be very simple. With practical tips and examples, this article will seek to better define how you can intuitively approach the law of attraction and use it to your advantage whenever you want to.

Writing this, I’ve just arrived in Arizona for the summer for an intensive language program, and am aiming to keep these ideas in mind as I am learning, interacting, and living in an exciting new environment. At the end of this article is a quick talky blog I recorded last night that shares some of my thoughts on my experience thus far and how I am living the life of my dreams and endlessly grateful for it. (You can follow my journey at my blog, Uzbek Brian, but let’s continue for now.)

In a nutshell, the law of attraction is a mindset shift. It’s a tool you can use to reframe your direction to start “thinking about what you want to bring about”, whether in terms of health, money, love, friendship, work, or wherever else. The law of attraction is empowering because it rejoices in the fact that the universe is entirely in your favor, always mirroring back the same energy you send out.

Honestly it’s just a way of verbalizing that YOU are in the driver’s seat and only you, and that what you focus on grows and affects your life. Accepting it is really a revelation that can drive inspiringly huge amounts of success and gratitude in any area.

If you want to move forward, enjoy yourself, and remove even the need for “shoulds”, fears, hate, and other unproductive modes of being, this article is for you! Plus, whether you like it or not, this principle is at work right now, so better to choose to master it than let it create confusion and a victim mindset based on “luck” or “fate”. So that I don’t completely blow your mind, here are some real, regular tips that I’ve amassed that have helped me and may help you too. :)

Part 1: Prepare Yourself to Accept Opportunity

#1: Start your day with an affirmation of your choice.

This affects your social dynamics hugely! Many people do not like or do not have time to map out every bit of their day, and that is understandable. But in taking advantage of the law of attraction, you don’t have to do tons of work or stick to a strange and unappealing routine.

Simply start your day with an intention. State it in the positive, in the present (the here and now), and make it specific enough that it lets you take action, but not so much that it locks you in. Random example: “Today, I choose to work on my health and relationships. I’ll exercise outside, get in contact with friends, and treat myself to food that is rewarding and nourishing for my body.”

#2: Cool interests are great conversation pieces.

Spend “you” time doing some thing YOU like, no matter what other people think, and work on developing that interest. This may or may not involve meeting new people, but it doesn’t matter, because you’ll have this in your toolbox when you want to call upon it.

This way when you are meeting someone, you can give them a taste of your passion and direction in a friendly, non-confrontational way, and then learn what makes them tick too! Plus, focusing on being involved and engaged will help you attract that same energy.

#3: Take care of yourself.

Eat healthy, exercise, and groom yourself, and you’ll look good even if you don’t (even though you already do, because everyone is beautiful anyway, but still). More tips at the linked text for this tip. You will feel so much more ready to jump towards that high vibe and enjoy others’ company when you take good care of what you need to do.

#4: Body language and placement are everything.

Example: Here at the ASU campus during my time between class, I have a many options of where I could go. But what it comes down to is this: I’m either outside and amidst classmates and other people to meet, or I’m in my room where no one can see or meet me. Surely we need time to recharge and work alone sometimes. But if you want to attract new experiences and people into your life, you will not get far with staying cooped up or looking too busy or uninterested to approach.

This has already worked for me and I’m grateful for taking that little bit of extra energy to put myself out there. Specific strategies that have proven to be effective: sit in a pleasant public area to work, get to class early to chat, add people online in advance, don’t look closed up with headphones or intense business all the time, and much more.

Part 2: Making it (1) Happen, (2) Matter, and (3) Last

#5: Go and say hi.

This might seem like a given, but it’s an important start, especially if you have an introverted preference or have any type of mental blockage keeping you from meeting new people (if you want to). Just go introduce yourself! Name, job, family, location, interests and other simple stuff. What is the absolute worst that could happen? Your first conversation with someone can just be that and it’s okay.

In fact, it’s a great start, because next time you will have had that “pre-info” and “who are you?” or “can I even say hi to that person?” stuff out of the way. If you never initiate contact, you are not taking action and will have more difficulty attracting fun and meaningful relationships.

#6: Just be nice!

Kindness is such an important value. You don’t have to be the richest, smartest, prettiest person every single minute of every day. Keep working at it, and don’t limit yourself, but when you are meeting new people, it is good to take a deep breath and just be nice, instead of smart-ass.

This is one major tip I try to focus on because I have a tendency to let my intensity get the best of me and lose sight of core social values even if my intentions are not bad. A kind person will always attract better things into their life than someone shrouded in misery. Many people may find themselves in this situation, so place extra concentration on modulating this factor when meeting new people.

#7: Eliminate energies which do not lift you up.

There is no reason to feel obligated to tend to the things in your life that hold you back, because they are obviously not working anyway, and some space from them might be beneficial. Whether that be people, actions, habits, places, or ideas you are involved with, take a minute to critically consider the sources which directly influence your thoughts (and hence, your world). To learn more, check out my article How to Identify People Who You Hold You Back Instead of Lift You Up.

#8: Have boundless gratitude.

People do care about you even if they do not always outwardly show it. Most everyone has at least one person in their life who they owe so much to and can share mutual gratitude with to align well with good family relations.

Doesn’t matter who it is: related or unrelated, boy or girl, old or young, and so on. Family and friends are the people who truly care and connect with you, and focusing on giving thanks to these people is so much more fulfilling than picking at flaws, perpetuating arguments, or be untrue or having hidden agendas.

All in all, be the container for the content and people you want to fill your life with. That’s the idea! Much more tips and tricks coming your way here at Brian on Health. From personal development to physical health, I am here as an open book to document and share what is and is not working for me, and how that might play into your unique circumstances. Please subscribe if you are enjoying what you see, and leave me a comment below. I genuinely want to know what you think, bad or good!

Brian Greco

P.S. Here’s that vlog from my Uzbek language channel if you want to check it out:

Question of the day: What tips do you use for meeting people or trying new things?


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
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Water Controversy: How Much? What Kind? Water Bottles? With Meals?

May 20, 2012 by Brian Greco Health Topics 3 comments...

Water is life, in every culture, in every language because without it life can simply not go on. Our bodies are around three quarters water, which is used in almost every bodily function and structure to help regulate our internal systems. This article will seek to offer a quick, clear opinion on common questions about water so you can hydrate with confidence.

Question #1: How much water should we drink?

Staying hydrated is so important, yet so many people fail to listen their body’s many calls for water. Drinking enough water is a foremost tip for anyone on any lifestyle path and is one of my top principles for a long and healthy life.

There is an ongoing debate in the health world as to how much water we should be drinking per day. To me, there is no rhyme or reason to it: If you are thirsty, drink water. The well-known “eight glasses a day” is a good starting point, but there is really no need to worry about a certain quota. Like every species in the world, water intake should be decided by thirst, not by some standard (unless you are following certain recommendations).

Water needs are influenced by activity level and daily life, but also by diet. Eating a diet based on more concentrated foods will result in increased thirst due to the body’s need for supplemental water intake. When we eat a healthy diet rich in whole natural foods including abundant water-rich fruits and vegetables, our needs for hydration even out. Thirst becomes a pleasant desire for water, rather than a ravenous need caused by unhealthy practices.

That being said, eating water-rich foods will help regulate water needs, but will not eliminate them. In other words, those who eat a raw, fruitarian, or any other specific diet and claim they no longer need to drink water are mistaken. It is necessary to take in pure water every day for good health.

I recommend beginning the day with as much plain water water as you feel you need, and then having water with you throughout the day as well. Sometimes, if we are hungry, we may just be thirsty. In a transition to a healthier lifestyle, drinking water is always a most simple and satisfying step in the right direction. Let natural eating and natural thirst guide you, and you are on your way to excellent health.

Question #2: What kind of water is healthiest?

Another common question about water which the media seems to love is which type of water to drink. Water is water is water, right? There are different ways to process it, I get that. But what’s the big deal? To be honest, I think most of it is hype and marketing. Anyone can slap a scientific story to a product and sell it for a nice profit, and that’s what I think has happened to the water industry, which barely existed even 20 to 30 years ago.

But I won’t dismiss the idea totally, so what types of water are there? There’s spring water, sourced from underground aquifers. There’s distilled water, which has been boiled and condensed again to remove everything except pure H2O. There’s bottled water which could be one of the above, or city water that’s been purified with another system, such as reverse osmosis. And then there’s tap water, which is your standard water from, well, the tap.

Quite frankly, if you are drinking pure water, and enough of it, you will be fine. The body does not care which brand or bottling of water you drink, as long as it’s clean. I personally enjoy spring water, as I like the nice, natural feel to it, but really do not go out of my way beyond practical measures of taste and cleanliness when it comes to water most of the time.

As for distilled water, I recognize that it’s the purest form of water one can drink, as it’s nothing but H20. While maybe this is used when certain circumstances require it, for regular use I tend to think that processing water by stripping it of its other components is not really necessary, so I would bypass distilled water.

Bottled water is useful in traveling, but I would avoid using the extra money and plastic resources on a regular basis. Almost 20 billion water bottles are thrown away each year in the United States, to be used once and forever lay in a landfill, or a garbage patch in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Best that we use these only when necessary.

Finally, we are brought to the topic of tap water. Is it toxic? Does it contain chemicals and trace pharmaceuticals? Will it kill you?! Again, I think a lot of what we hear about water is hype to promote the bottled water industry. I’ve heard that bottled water is often a high percentage of tap water (that is filtered) anyway.

Of course it is optimal to have fresh, filtered water to drink. However, this is not always possible for many people. I would rather see someone stay properly hydrated than become neurotic about what’s coming out of the sink or the water fountain where they fill up.

The Western world is fortunate to have access to potable water pretty much anytime, anywhere. I think many of the people who vehemently attack tap water are just seriously spoiled. Tap water may not be perfect, but in developed countries, it is nowhere near as bad as it is claimed to be.

If you’re at a public place and are thirsty, you’re not going to die by filling your bottle from a clean fountain. At the same time, if you want treat yourself and have an Acqua Panna with dinner, go ahead. As always, I remind people to keep things in perspective and make decisions in the interest of good health and good sense.

Question #3: What reusable water bottle is the best choice?

There are so many options available these days in the way of reusable water bottles. Each brand will probably have a different story as to why you should buy their bottle over the competition, but it’s up to you, of course, which to choose.

The main varieties you’ll find are either plastic or metal. Just remember to look for a bottle with a clean taste to your water. I’ve found that this really depends on the quality of the bottle itself, not necessarily the material that it’s made out of. In other words, I’ve found both plastic and stainless steel varieties that seem to leach a chemical-ish flavor into the water (usually the cheap ones). Better to invest in a high-quality model to avoid any questionable content finding its way into in your beverage.

I do not endorse any specific company, but have found that I like the current bottle I use, a clear-colored 32-ounce Nalgene. It’s durable, reasonable and easy to clean. Many other similar brands may do the job, but may often start to wear down not long after purchase. All in all, be sure to choose a nice, generously-sized water bottle, and you’ll be ready to go to stay hydrated and refreshed as you navigate through your daily travels in life.

Question #4: What about drinking with meals?

This is a question I occasionally see which refers to the practice of avoiding drinking liquids with meals, which some say should be done for optimal digestion. The reasoning that is given behind this practice is that your “digestive juices” can better break down solid foods if they are not diluted by water or other beverages. Also, there is less bulk entering the stomach that must be managed at one time.

In my experience, to drink or not to drink with meals is mostly a matter of preference and circumstances. There’s really no definitive science to confirm any benefits or drawbacks. I don’t think that someone should withhold drinking water if they are thirsty, as I explained before. If you want some water during a meal, drink some water.

However, I do see how it is beneficial to be cautious about taking in large amounts of water with a substantial meal. This is not as much a problem with an already water-rich meal, but if someone is eating a more concentrated food, they should be mindful of their thirst and water consumption for a more comfortable digestive experience. I also recommend avoiding ice or very cold food for this reason.

So there we have it.

I hope this article helps clear up some of the hype around water. Once in awhile I like to just cover some simple question-and-answer topics to share my opinions on health controversies. All in all, your water intake will really depends on your situation, including how active you are, what you’re eating, and so on. Just listen to your body and you’re set.

Question of the day: How much water do you average on a day? Any other thoughts on water to share?


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
Follow me on Twitter @BrianonHealth to stay in the loop!

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How to Identify People Who Hold You Back Instead of Lift You Up

May 11, 2012 by Brian Greco Personal Development 8 comments...

I have dealt with a lot of different types of people even in my short time on this planet, and I’m sure you have too. Though we alone are in the driver’s seat with our own lives, the people around us can make or break our daily reality, so it is important that we tend to our friendships and relationships in order to open up to opportunity and set up for success.

The scene is familiar: some people are a pure joy to be around, and bring a smile to your face and a lift to your mood without the slightest ounce of effort. Others may not act in a particularly extroverted way, but they still are warm, genuine people, and your relationship is mutually positive. However, there are other people who unfortunately not this way.

What are the signs of an unhealthy friendship or relationship? The first step towards cleaning house when it comes to people is to identify suppressive ones. This may sound harsh, but it is not intended to be so. It’s not about dividing people up or labeling permanently, it’s about being true with yourself and how you feel about those in your life.

This is sort of a serious topic, so it calls for the release of negative thoughts. I really don’t favor phrasing things in the negative sense most of the time, but I find it is the only clear way to communicate these characteristics. Sometimes the most direct way of saying something is that which is most radically honest, and hence most helpful! Let’s take a look.

21 Signs of Suppressive People Who Hold You Back

IN THOUGHTS

#1: They are dogmatic. Unable to see beyond rules, they grip closely on doctrine.

#2: They are argumentative. They can’t agree to disagree. They don’t discuss, they attack.

#3: They are uninterested. They never take the time to hear what you care about or like.

#4: They are disconnected. They do not choose to perceive and to understand their world.

#5: They are unoriginal. They copy ideas and take credit without contributing new things.

#6: They are fear-mongerers. They are addicted to seeking hype, conspiracy, or evils.

#7: They are codependent. Instead of thinking for themselves, they rely on validation.

IN FRIENDSHIP

#8: They are conditional. Your friendship with them rests solely on flimsy criteria.

#9: They are personal. Their opinions hinge on attacking who you are as a person.

#10: They are phony. You know in your heart they lie or don’t really care about you.

#11: They are delusional. They have a warped view of themselves, others, and their world.

#12: They are oppressive. They operate by making fun of you or pointing out your flaws.

#13: They are absent. They ignore NOW or the real world, always looking for escapisms.

#14: They are faithless. They distance themselves from beauty, love, and god.*

IN OUTLOOK

#15: They are naysayers. Their energies are destructive in the world, not inspiring.

#16: They are pessimistic. They expect the worst and focus on what is bad around them.

#17: They are victims. The world somehow conspires against them. They blame or project.

#18: They are ungrounded. They fear consolidating firmness on any issue or belief.

#19: They are snooping. They pry into you and your life to break you down step by step.

#20: They are unhealthy. They don’t take care of themselves or others (make bad choices).

#21: They are ungrateful. They are seriously spoiled, failing to see how good things are.

Have you met people like this? I sure have, and it’s time to let them go. As I wrote in my first post at the new website, my rule these days is to eliminate anyone who doesn’t appreciate me like I appreciate them, and instead focus on true blue friends. There are 7 billion people in this world. I don’t need to waste my time on those that bring me down instead of lift me up, and you shouldn’t either!

Here are some strategies I came up with for making that shift happen.

8 Tips for Purging Destructive Energies from Your Life

#1: First, identify problem areas. What holds you back the most right now? Tackle that.

#2: Choose to stop giving your time and energy to suppressive people. Key word: choose.

#3: Have compassion. Everyone is at a different step, so be aware of how you act.

#4: Forgive. We all need time to figure things out, so believe in second chances and change.

#5: Be respectful. When in doubt, take people at face value and honor their opinions.

#6: Go offline. Facebook can be a worst offender for perpetuating misery. Go for a walk.

#7: Move yourself. You may need to physically move your location. Exercise helps too.

#8: Ready, fire, aim. Worry can emotionally paralyze you. Sometimes, just DO!

To close, here is a cool image by some inspiring friends, the RawBrahs:

Note: If you are concerned about lettings things go, it’s okay. Sometimes caring people truly desire to be freed of unproductive relationships, but may be “too nice” and worry that not working to fix what is broken will actually create problems. I have thought along this wavelength at many points in my life, and can tell you it isn’t worth it!

Take a bucket of water out of the ocean, and that hole does not stay empty, it quickly fills with fresh water. Same thing with people. When you exuberate good things, energized by your surroundings, the domino effect comes into play entirely in the right direction. Don’t worry about tending to what isn’t working. This phenomenon will surprisingly ring true.

Question of the day: What has worked for you so far to welcome in better energy?

* I am not necessarily referring to a specific religion, but rather having any sense of appreciation for the divinity of the world, humans, happiness, nature, and so on. Thanks!

Learn more: Here is a quick <1 min helpful video on this topic by Wendi Blum. Cool!


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How to Get Started with the Right Approach to Healthy Eating Today

May 4, 2012 by Brian Greco Beyond the Food No comments yet...

Ever feel like healthy eating can be daunting? Having spent almost 7 years surrounding myself with different styles of eating and living, I can relate to you if you ever feel like there’s a lot of confusing, conflicting information out there on what we should and should not do. So in this post I’d like to offer a more clear and effective approach you can use to get started with better health today.

More and more people are interested in improving their health through better nutrition, which is so exciting. Understandably, everyone wants to know things like: What should and shouldn’t we eat? What foods are the best? What foods are the worst? What about superfoods or supplements? What about this exercise? What about this diet, or that diet? And so on.

I get many questions like this when the topic of food comes up in conversation, and I first and foremost acknowledge and appreciate your desire to improve your health. But what I like to say when it comes to diet is that we are truly in the best of times and the worst of times. To explain what I mean by this, I’d like to start off with some thoughts on current challenges.

Addressing Current Challenges with Healthy Eating

In my (relatively short) time on this planet, I’ve discovered many different styles of eating, from standard American fare to vegetarian, vegan, raw food, fruitarian, high-fat and low-fat diets. By taking a second look at diet and stepping from the norm of eating culture, I have come to realize how much food shapes our lives and health.

Without a doubt, many people tend to overlook the important role that diet has in overall wellness. It goes without saying that the Western world finds itself in an ongoing struggle where food often wins over weight, disease prevention, and many other factors of health. It definitely disheartens me when I see confusion about nutrition preventing people from sticking with habits that keep them on track to move forward.

While some tease that everyone knows how to be healthy, it’s just that they are lazy or don’t feel like it, I believe that this is not the case. Sure, it’s true that most people know not to make fast food a regular habit, or take another serving of dessert, or consume a plate of food that is entirely beige. All joking aside though, if everyone knew how to get healthier through better nutrition, I think that we would be finding fewer people struggling with it every day.

In modern life, we encounter a nutritional paradox which is deeply rooted in our daily surroundings. Food has ceased to be its most basic evolutionary need that keeps us merely surviving. Because of this, we now need to be more conscious of our food intake in navigating through the sea of choices that the average person is presented with non-stop.

It is impossible to lay blame on the individual because there are so many reasons for what actually happens with food problems. That’s right, it’s not your fault! We do not choose to be unhealthy when we really know what options we have. People may have the resources to make their own choices, but it is understandable that they do not know how to apply them.

Humans are creatures of culture, of habit. From the day we are born, we learn and adapt to the things around us, because we are literally programmed to survive through the natural response to take advantage of resources, like food, as greatly as possible. So by making unhealthy food choices, a person is responding appropriately to their environment, and today it is unfortunately one that does not give diet the attention it calls for.

The stories in the news, the products on the shelves, and all the different diet books in the end can make healthy eating seem out of reach. But when taken for what it is, eating well is not as complicated as it seems. Research on the topic is not useless, but you don’t have to be “in” on some mysterious system of science just to make valuable improvements to your diet.

Here’s a quote I found from The Guardian that helps explain what I mean:

“Nutritionists and their kin sell the idea that diet is somehow more complicated than that; something that requires access to arcane and detailed knowledge to which only they have access; knowledge of the breakdown of exactly what is in each food.

And so the shopper is paralysed. But do I need vitamins L and Y this week? Or calcium? Or protein? Or no protein? What kind of fat did you say again? Because when you sell the idea that eating well is complicated, that foods are made of immemorable combinations of chemicals, then you prime the market.”

It is unfortunate but true in many areas of the health and wellness field, which is very disappointing, because there are so many simple things one is able to do that can make a world of a difference. This is what I aim to leave you with in this post.

From Struggle to Success

To look towards a solution and get started with the right mindset on your journey, I think it’s best to start simple. My hope in sharing this information is to reach readers with congruent information they can actually use. Moreover, I want to preach what I practice. I never want to promote anything I don’t do or believe in myself.

I’ve realized through many humbling experiences that not everyone has the same food and lifestyle interests as me. That being said, I still want to share my passion for healthy eating with others, and pass on some of the knowledge I’ve accumulated that I think can be very gainful for many people.

Friends and family have asked me before:
* Hey Brian, is this healthy?
* I want to eat healthier, how do I start?
* How can I lose weight more effectively?
* What about this food, or that food?
* What do I do about cravings?

I’m always happy to give quick tips, but it is difficult to provide information during casual conversation that really goes in depth and in context. So at my website, I have set the goal to disseminate information in an appealing way that gets to the core of all these issues and ultimately empowers people to think for themselves. (By the way, I will cover issues like cravings and other worries in an upcoming article.)

Being a nutrition junkie, I have immersed myself in many books and websites over the years to keep in the know about what information someone may find if they want to improve their diet. I have to say, most of the self-help stuff I’ve found is impractical or full of claims that entirely miss the point of even trying to eat and live healthier at all.

Even if what an author is stating is good, the message can be clouded by confusion, fear, or apprehension about taking action that reader is left with. This doesn’t help anybody, especially someone without much experience in healthy eating, who may then be turned off to the idea altogether and never end up seeing there are other ways to approach the issue.

I have observed that the biggest mistake is to focus time and energy in the wrong directions. People may try to do everything at once, and thus end up undermining their success in improving their ability to stick to their goals and produce results. Because if you want better health, simply talking about it is a start, but it won’t get much done!

I believe that almost 80% of the race is won by simply doing the things we all know we should do anyway. Things like taking in more fruits and vegetables, cutting out processed foods, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and working on practical fitness. Everyone wants a quick fix, but honestly, these are the strategies that hold the test of time.

At that point, we can fine tune the last 20% by learning and applying the extensive knowledge on health and human physiology that is at our disposal. But isn’t it silly to try to go straight to grad school when you haven’t even mastered first grade? So many different theories can be found in the endless paradoxical science we call nutrition, but there are many fundamentals that no respected expert disagrees on. It may not be the cool way, but it works.

Rather than preaching a tiring regimen that involves every new vitamin pill, or having only organic and local foods when it’s not always possible, or meticulously measuring each portion for each meal (and other healthy eating myths I’ll cover), let’s see the forest for the trees and synthesize the priorities that will actually matter when all is said and done.

What Matters When it Comes to Food?

Healthy eating is something anyone can do. Healthy food can be found in many places at different budgets, and will serve you in strength and happiness for years to come. What I’m talking about is nothing earth-shattering, but it is an approach to feel better without having to reorient your entire everything and waste lots of money and worry in the process.

I want people to reclaim their peace of mind and energy through a solid relationship with food, and then be able to MOVE ON! Food is delicious and very important, but it is not everything. Use it as the means to your desired end, not the end itself. Health is a rich subject that spans many areas just waiting to be uncovered, and diet can kickstart this progression for you and for anyone else who will most definitely be inspired by your example.

I think we all could use a break from the same old paradigm that I’m sure you’re just as tired of seeing as I am. What will make us actually WANT to choose healthful eating in our daily lives? There are certain criteria that are innate in all of us when it comes to food. I think I’ve finally boiled them down with the list of five below. Food has to be:

#1: Delicious, most importantly. If something tastes good, people will go out of their way to make it happen, and if it doesn’t taste good, it’s not gonna happen. This is a self-explanatory concept.

#2: Convenient, i.e. quick and easy. Nobody wants to spend hours by the stove, wait for random seed-like things to sprout in jars, need to drive 10 hours just to buy groceries, or worse, have to rely on the next Fed-ex delivery whenever they’re hungry!

#3: Familiar, or relatively so. With some exceptions, the bulk of the population is not interested in reprogramming their brain against everything they know and love about eating. We can work within this to find healthy choices that are realistic and consistently appealing.

#4: Inexpensive, to keep things in perspective. This can mean different things for different people, because not everyone can or wants to afford lots of costly foods. That being said, if you want to eat healthy, you will need to make it a priority. More info on this soon.

#5: Inspiring, which is often forgotten. Life is exciting and full of variety, and so too should healthy eating be in everyday routine. When healthy eating is done the right way, people are more motivated to take initiative with the new skills and benefits they see right now.

The approach I believe in with eating is centered on these five tenets so you can accomplish your health objectives effortlessly. I want to free you of the “nutribabble” in today’s world, and be your humble guide from struggle to success.

The Bigger Picture

I know in my heart that if given a good opportunity and good tools, people want to do the right thing. Every day I am noticing more and more people beginning to show an interest in improving their health through changing their diet. So rather than laughing or marketing a gimmick, I choose to offer some food for thought on our health and choices instead.

Because in life everything really comes down to choices. When you make a good choice, it is reflected in your life, no matter how insignificant it may seem at any point in the process. By making the choice to think about your health and the health of your world, you are taking a step forward in your own power, and that is what this article is here to honor.

Sometimes we face the doubt or apathy of friends, family, and surroundings on a larger scale. Going against the usual is not always an easy thing to do, both inwardly and outwardly, especially with food. This is something that takes practice getting used to.

However, this challenge can make the journey all the more rewarding. When someone improves their diet, this not only brings benefits on a personal level. An attitude towards better health is inspiring to everyone around them. It’s for this reason that I wrote what you’re reading today. Real people have the energy and potential to make real changes.

Like with all other choices, you can only change if you want to change. I cannot force you to do anything, but I can provide you with tools and encouragement. By doing this, my hope is that you will want to apply new habits. Always remember that you are responsible for your own choices, body, and health, and that this is something to be proud of.

Thanks for reading! This is only the tip of the iceberg. Designing an eating plan that not only fits your nutritional needs but also your lifestyle needs is a topic full of exciting information. The purpose of this article is just to outline a more sensible mental approach to eating, so you can clear your way for every next step along the way. Stay tuned for more!

Question of the day: What are you most excited about with health? What concerns hold you back?


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
Follow me on Twitter @BrianonHealth to stay in the loop!

Add your response here →

How to Buy Bulk Fruit at Regular Supermarkets (Save Money, Time & Energy)

May 1, 2012 by Brian Greco Fruit, Tips & Tricks 3 comments...

Like I always say, to succeed on a healthy diet you need to have an abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. Especially if you are like me and eat a diet based on fruit, you will want to become very in tune with the dynamics of shopping for produce that you enjoy and that makes sense for your lifestyle choices, tastes, and budget.

Learning to shop smart for fresh produce takes practice, and you have to love it. There definitely is a learning curve, but nothing the interested health seeker cannot handle. For me, even many years into eating this way, it truly never gets old to see what will be fresh at the market or where I can find the ripest fruit whose taste is only sweeter when I get a good deal.

First and foremost, let’s make something clear. The way to get the best quality and quantity for your money is to BUY WHOLESALE by the case at large produce terminals. Yes, I’m serious! The places that supermarkets, restaurants, and other large operations buy their produce is where you will want to look.

These large locations are right where the boats and trucks come in with farm-fresh stuff right from California, Mexico, Chile, China, and other regions where fruit commonly is grown. Many facilities allow walk-ins without a merchant account, and if you are nice to the vendors and explain to them what you’re looking for, they will be thrilled that you are interested in their products. (More on this later.)

This is my favorite way to shop and I have had some of my best fruit hauls with this method, as the only fresher way would honestly be picking the fruit right off a tree in your backyard. But I understand this is not realistic or convenient for some people, and is a topic for a whole other article. So today we will be discussing how to source bulk produce at supermarkets and other “regular” consumer stores.

This article will focus particularly on fruit, because vegetables are relatively cheap and easy to find anywhere. Fruit takes a bit more practice and is a much more calorically significant food category that calls for its own method of shopping. Here are 10 important tips to remember about shopping for bulk fruit, and after you’re done, be sure to check out my supermarket reviews.

Tip #1: Remember, fruit is not packaged food.

The most important idea to understand with fruit that precedes any tips for actually purchasing it is that fruit is NOT a packaged food. What I mean by this is that fruit does not have the consistency, or in my opinion, the dullness, of products that stay stocked on shelves for a long time. Fruit is always different each time you buy. No two bags of grapes are the same, and every mango or banana will ripen a little bit differently.

This presents a unique set of challenges for the new buyer, but again is nothing that can’t be figured out with a bit of practice and observation. It makes things interesting to say the least. For example, there will be times when you pick out the PERFECT pear, and there will be also times when you buy a whole bag of them and they’re chalky and rotten. And there will also be times when you buy a large bunch of them, and half are great, half are rotten, and the others are just okay. That’s the fruit industry (and mother nature) for you!

The one fruit I can think of that is almost always reliable and comes ready to eat or is easy to ripen is the banana (eat when spotty), as well as most apples and dates. Grapes, berries, oranges, figs, cherries, melons, and pineapples are all examples of fruits which do not ripen off the tree, so be aware of these. Even so, there is always a difference in the nuances of a fruit’s taste, texture, juiciness, and much more that you can discover.

Tip #2: Understand fruit ripeness.

In general, aim to know how a fruit should look, feel, smell, taste, and even sound when it’s ripe. I will be posting a guide to ripening common fruits on the blog soon, so stay tuned, or just do a quick internet search if you’re not familiar with a given item. It pays off to eat ripe fruit! Your taste buds, digestive system, and body in general will thank you.

To this end, avoid buying any significant quantity of a more expensive fruit if you’re not familiar with its quality just by looking (or trying) before you buy. There certainly have been times I’ve made the mistake of buying some produce that doesn’t ripen or is inedible in other ways. This not only wastes money, it can totally ruin plans for recipes, entertaining, or having enough in stock for the week, especially if you can’t return the items or need to drive far to do so.

Tip #3: Familiarize yourself with seasonality.

Everyone knows that fruit varies by season, yet most people do not pay attention to the importance of seasonality when it comes to the quality and quantity of fruit available. These days, most people enjoy the luxury of almost all types of produce shipped to their markets all year round, but anyone who has lived in more rural areas, has grown fruit themselves, or was there “back then” will know that seasons do matter.

Many seasonality guides are available online and it is fairly intuitive to get to know the seasons. You may already know a few: Oranges in winter, strawberries in spring, cherries or mangos in summer, and apples in the fall. (Another fall favorite for me is persimmons). Check out this link here for more information on seasonality to help you plan your shopping excursions, or find other charts available in many recipe and nutrition books.

Tip #4: Scope out what’s available where.

Without a doubt, different fruits are more popular at different types of markets. You will usually find all standard fruits (bananas, apples, oranges, etc) anywhere you go, but quality, price, quantity, and freshness all will vary. This topic spans an entire other article, and lucky for you I’ve done the work for you right here: Definitive Guide to the Best Supermarkets for Fruits and Vegetables. There you will find comprehensive reviews of the top 10 most common types of supermarkets and produce markets and what you can expect for each one.

Tip #5: Shop at the right time.

With fresh produce, the time of day you shop really has an affect on the quality and quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you’ll be able to find. Unlike packaged foods, (see #1) which merely matter in terms of if they’ll be on the shelf, produce changes not only in ripeness and freshness within a given day, but the actual choices you’ll have vary hugely.

In other words, you might head to the market fresh and early in the morning and find a lovely display of your favorites, but come 4 or 5pm the same day you might be left with slim pickings. Or contrarily, you might find that your market is hardly even stocked towards the beginning of the day and boasts fresher, more abundant choices in the afternoon. It really depends.

Everyone’s schedule is different, so get to know when your local supermarket restocks and with what. On the whole, avoid going shopping right at closing or opening time, and head towards those time ranges when things are busy but not already picked clean, as this is when they’ll be coming in and out with more to stock.

If you have to shop at odd times or find yourself stuck looking around a lame produce department with an empty cart, assert your abilities as a customer (read: be a pest) and call for the produce manager to get out the new shipments. Let them know that it is important for you to get good quality fruit and you’re not just buying one or two pieces here, you want the good stuff and lots of it. Remember, they are not your friend, they are being PAID to serve you and make sure you find what you need from the store!

Tip #6: Know your prices well.

Long story short, if you don’t know your fruit prices, you’re going to screw yourself over and end up complaining that fruit is too expensive or too much work. Save yourself the frustration and dollars and take a few minutes each time you go to the supermarket to see how the prices change or stay the same for your favorite products. Write them down in a notebook, take a picture on your phone, or memorize them to keep a mental inventory of what fruit ought to cost, so you don’t buy when it’s cheaper elsewhere

Prices can vary not only for the same fruit types, but sometimes LITERALLY for the same companies and freshness (so all you brand-name or organic snobs got nothing on me here!). An example of this: The SAME Dole pineapples at Wegmans for me are $2.99 for a large one when another one at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods that half the size is also $2.99. Unless you’re short on time or transport, why spend more for less? Know your prices.

Tip #7: Ask! For deals, discounts, special orders.

Get involved with the people who run the place to work the system and get the deals you desire on fresh produce. You are shopping for produce, at a supermarket, in real life. You’re not at an online store or an expensive department store. Like I mentioned in #5, take advantage of customer services at these markets because just like everyone else shopping, you have a right to a pleasant and productive shopping experience too.

Like with any social situation, rudeness will not get you far, so show your interest in a more appealing way by asking about ways you can arrange a win-win situation with you and the market. If it’s a regular supermarket, you can ask what they do with over-ripe (or what I like to call, actually ripe) produce, especially bananas, for starters.

They may have a discount available for you which is sometimes denoted with a yellow sticker or placement in a special bin. Supermarkets sometimes keep to particular protocols for donating unsalable fruit to soup kitchens or other facilities, but you may be able to take it off their hands for free or cheap, especially if it’s a more local supermarket without the regulations and liabilities that come along with larger corporations.

Another option you might look into is to order cases of fruit directly through the produce department of the supermarket itself. I assume this would be a good choice if you live in a more rural area and a supermarket is your closest connection to a good supply of produce (i.e. you don’t live near terminals or larger markets). I know many people who have succeeded doing this and have talked to some produce managers myself. It is merely a matter of them checking off an extra box on their order sheet and arranging an exchange, which might be easily pushed along with a smile or a couple dollars for a tip.

Be persistent with your requests, and seek to talk to the manager or person in charge of produce, as opposed to people working on the sales floor just stocking and pushing products, as they may not know how to best direct your inquiries. That being said, remember that all they can do is all they can do. You might just need to cede to their system and buy by the pound after all, but it never hurts to ask.

Tip #8: Be familiar, consistent, and friendly.

This tip is pretty straightforward: familiarity helps. When you are a consistent, loyal, respectful customer, your position is only better off, especially at local markets where you’ll see the same vendors or even the farmers who are growing the food themselves and want it to go to people who enjoy and know how to appreciate it.

Be that friendly face who comes in every week leaving with a big cart full of fresh, brightly-colored produce. Own it, because most people aspire to be healthy and you can be a positive example! And let the challenges that good produce shopping can sometimes bring be an encouragement to work on your self improvement and get your fitness, bargaining and interpersonal skills up to par so you can get where you want to be with your food supply.

Tip #9: Buy enough to avoid constant shopping.

If you love it and eat it, produce goes quickly. This is something I had to learn the hard way after many a repeated trip to the market to load up on more of the same favorites instead of buying enough at once. When you buy in bulk, particularly at wholesale markets, a fruit and vegetable diet becomes a much more pleasant, fulfilling part of your life instead of a bothersome waste of work.

Budget definitely comes into play with the size of your shops, but you’ll actually most likely save more money the less you shop. The more you go, the more gas you use if you’re driving, and the more random things you’re likely to pick up along the way that you really didn’t need. Load up on your favorite fruit if it’s good and cheap when you go, because you never know if it might be gone tomorrow! That brings me to the next pointer…

Tip #10: If necessary, opt for more of one good thing.

In other words, if your budget is more restrictive and you are faced with buying a little of a lot or a lot of a little, I’d recommend from experience buying a lot of one fruit, IF it’s ripe and good. It depends what you are looking for, but I personally think that it is more worthwhile and appealing to relish in one delicious (preferably seasonal) fruit than to pick at little bits of this and that and end up unsatisfied.

So there we have it.

There are many strategies you can use to save money on fresh produce that I will talk about in the future, such as getting to know farmers, starting coops, freeganism, and so on. But the reality is that most of us shop at regular markets and need tips for getting the most bang for our buck to make food shopping in bulk simple, productive, and enjoyable. Hopefully these pointers will help you get on the right track including the fruits and vegetables your body craves and deserves into your diet, right from the supermarkets you already go to regularly.

Question of the day: What questions do you have about buying fruit? What is your favorite fruit to look for at the market?

Reminder: Be sure to check out where to shop for what at my Definitive Guide to the Best Supermarkets for Fruits and Vegetables.


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
Follow me on Twitter @BrianonHealth to stay in the loop!

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How to Look Good Even If You Don’t

April 29, 2012 by Brian Greco Personal Development, Tips & Tricks 9 comments...

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. But let’s be real: There are certain standards you should hold yourself to if you want to be productive in society. Whether you like it or not, people judge by appearance. Take some time to wallow over that idea, and when you get over it, join me as we work together with these 10 steps to a better you.

Note: This is all advice I aim to follow myself, that’s why I’m sharing it with you!

First, you must accept that you will not make an impression on people if you do not have any LUCK, and by that I mean Labor Under Correct Knowledge. There is no such thing as overnight success or a pill you can take to look great, but there are still many things you can do to look and feel your best every day from this moment on.

Start with your body. Stand naked in front of a mirror. If you’re not impressed with what you see, time to get to work! Always accept yourself, but don’t settle for less than you deserve as an excuse to be lazy. Looking good naked means feeling happier, healthier and more confident about yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that’s not true.

To get going, at least walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes per day around your neighborhood. This is something I do almost every day. Grab your iPod and sneakers, put on a good song, and take some time to collect your thoughts and get your body moving. From here, move on to running. I know, it sucks! But try at least a mile or two at 5-7 mph every day. Or, try cycling outside, or start up with yoga.

When you go overboard with exercise, at best you won’t stick with it, and at worst you’ll injure yourself. Sad but true, consistency is what really matters when it comes to fitness. You are better off exercising a little bit every day and building up from there rather than over-exerting yourself once a week in attempt to be competitive or look like a magazine model.

As you’re working out, remember that every minute you invest in your personal fitness is another drop in the bucket towards a healthier, more attractive new you. There is nothing wrong with shameless vanity if it motivates you to get active. Picture what you want to look like and then write down specific goals to approach your ideal. Think: in just a few months your body will be looking better than ever.

Now let’s talk about your diet, another important aspect of health. This is a topic for a whole other article, but here are some basic tips that I’m sure you know already but may or may not actually apply in your life. You would be surprised how much food affects how you look, feel, think, exercise, study, work, and interact with other people.

Number one most effective step: Cut the crap! Stop eating the things that you don’t need to be told are unhealthy, and then work from there. Random examples: soda, french fries, cookies, chips, greasy food, processed meats, and so on. It is hard to let them go at first, but when you fill up on what your body needs, junk food cravings soon fade.

Bypass the need for diet scams, pills, tricks, gimmicks, and supplements and start eating the real food that has produced the strongest, most fit people for centuries. That means lots of fruits, vegetables and high quality sources of proteins and fats. Don’t forget to drink enough water too! Keep a water bottle with you and always start the morning with water. This is nutrition in a nutshell.

Next step is basic hygiene, people. I say this because I care and want to remind people that simple cleanliness is a huge part of looking good. You don’t have to look like Taylor Lautner or Megan Fox, but you do have to keep yourself groomed. Seriously, if most people just did these baseline things, a lot of relationship and self-esteem problems would disappear.

Brush your teeth at least two times a day and aim for two minutes. Forget fancy products, just get a good electric or regular toothbrush and do it. It matters how well you brush, not what brand of toothpaste you’re using. Floss before bed to get out pieces of food, strengthen your gums, and work towards whiter teeth (it works). If you really have bad breath, use mouthwash. No one likes bad breath.

Get your hair in order, because hair is an important, noticeable, and manageable way to make your appearance appealing. Take a shower every day or at least every other day and use a good shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair looking moisturized but not greasy. When you get out of the shower or get up in the morning, comb your hair so you look like you actually cared to check the mirror before entering the public. These things are straightforward but so often overlooked.

Go to a stylist and ask for tips on getting a nice haircut that suits your style and facial shape. Smooth and classic goes a long way! It’s fun to experiment with weird hairstyles, but my recommendation (after having long hair as a guy for two years) is to just play along with society and save expression for more valuable outlets if you want to attract friends, relationships, money and influence people in a positive way. I’m just being honest here.

Lastly, some miscellaneous tasks to tend to. First off, wear deodorant if you sweat a lot. You could be the nicest one on the block or in your school or workplace but no one will go near you if you smell. Next, clean your nails and keep them cut at a godly length (no nail biting or ridiculous manicures). And finally, work on clear skin with gentle washing, healthy diet, and an acne product if you need it. This is one of my biggest struggles too, so I place priority on it and keep in mind that clear skins means confidence.

Looking good so far! Now to clothe yourself with some clean stuff that FITS YOU. You don’t have to go over the top: a t-shirt, hoodie, and a good pair of jeans and shoes always works in casual settings, and standard Western business attire or “church” clothing will work for more formal events. Clothes really make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself. Keep to your style, but when in doubt, classic works!

There’s much more to say, but to save time and cut to the punchline, people skills are what really matters. When you exuberate a positive impression to the world, people are more likely to like you, listen to you, hire you, work with you, date you, and more. Simple common sense and wisdom on dealing with other people is what holds the test of time.

At the very least, don’t do damaging things. Even if you are not the most suave or intelligent person, it only takes a free, conscious choice to NOT do and say stupid things to people. Just like avoiding the junk food, often the most worthwhile method for personal success is to do no harm. So that means: don’t be rude, don’t make fun of people, and don’t try to “act cool” to get where you want to be.

Give compliments that aren’t overboard. Examples: Hey, I love your outfit, where’d you get it? Hey, your hair looks great! Hey, great job on your presentation today! Hey, I just wanted to say I really am happy to be your friend. Hey, thank you for your support and for being a great listener. Hey, you know, you are really a breath of fresh air! Hey, I think you’re a great person and am honored to know you. Easy, effective, and friendly.

When you talk to someone, look them in the eye and forego all sarcastic or superior tones. We are all guilty of it at times, and it’s fun with friends and family sometimes, but really no one likes “that guy” or “that girl” who always has a snide remark up their sleeve.

And always stand up straight with your two feet on the ground, avoid slouching when you sit in a chair, and project yourself so people can hear you. You’re better off being made fun of for being too loud and confident than being too timid to hear! We want to know what you have to say, but maybe we just can’t hear you!

Last but not least, smile. Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. When you smile, you tell everyone: I am happy with who I am and am happy to be here with you. Let’s have a great time and work together for a healthier, more passionate world. I hope this has inspired you to keep up the good work and continue moving forward with your dreams! Stay strong!

Brian Greco

Bonus tip: When you take photos, be graceful. The photos that get the most likes on Facebook are the ones that show the natural beauty and happiness of you or your friends and family. Duck faces, weird poses, and hand signals just make you look like an idiot. And plus, you won’t need them anymore when you work on your fitness, style, and smile!

Stay tuned for my next advice article: 10 Doable Steps for Getting Your Shit Together Today

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Question of the day: What other tips do you have for being your best you?


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Definitive Guide to the Best Supermarkets for Fruits & Vegetables (USA Reviews)

April 25, 2012 by Brian Greco Tips & Tricks No comments yet...

Having an abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand will help you succeed on a healthy diet. However, it’s important to learn how to shop smart if you want to avoid wasting money, time, and energy in the shopping process. Before talking about how to shop once you’re there, we should answer the following questions:

What are the best places to buy fresh produce?
Where should you go for fruit, and where for vegetables?
What is the difference between all the supermarkets out there?

Join me as we survey over the major types of supermarkets you might choose to source from if you are near my corner of the globe, namely the northeastern United States in the realm of large cities like Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and so on. Many of these are national and international corporations with stores or similar brands all throughout North America and Europe. (And if you’re in Asia, you won’t need them!)

Let’s get this out of the way first: Though they have their place, understand that you don’t have to go to fancy, expensive health food stores if you want to buy healthy food. In fact, some of the biggest wastes of money and lowest quality in produce are actually found at the stores which claim to be the best for a healthy lifestyle! I will touch on this more about this below as we move into our supermarket reviews. Shall we?

Brian’s Review of Major Supermarkets

In no specific order, here are some of the major supermarket and other food supply chains that are commonly found, with an East Coast USA influence. Even if you live in another area of the country or world, you will most likely find that the types of stores are parallel, but may have small differences in availability, price, and brand name.

Note #1: Ratings are from lowest to highest on a 3-point scale and evaluate the overall price range and how convenient and friendly the store is. These are completely biased from my experiences, but they are designed to be honest and helpful to you as I have been going to most of these consistently for years and know them well at this point.

Note #2: I have divided the produce section into the categories below, which I find I subconsciously do anyway when shopping. The gist of these are:

Standards (apples, pears, bananas, citrus), tree fruit (peaches, plums, persimmons, etc), grapes, berries, melons, papayas, mangos, pineapples, exotics (or rather, exotic for American supermarkets: figs, guavas, rambutans, lychees, different varieties of tree fruit, etc), avocados, tomatoes, yams/potatoes, winter squashes, vegetables, lettuces, frozen fruit, fresh dates, bulk (raw nuts, nut butters, dried fruit, etc), and organics in general.

Let’s begin! I will be reviewing the following stores:

  1. Trader Joe’s Market
  2. Whole Foods Market
  3. Standard Supermarkets (Safeway, Wegmans, etc)
  4. Bargain Supermarkets (Pathmark, Aldi, etc)
  5. Bulk Wholesale Clubs (Costco, BJ’s, etc)
  6. “Super” Stores: (Super Target, Walmart, etc)
  7. Produce Junctions and Other Produce Markets
  8. Independent or Family Grocery Stores
  9. Asian Markets (Chinese, Korean, etc)
  10. Hispanic Markets (Mexican, Caribbean, etc)

Review #1: Trader Joe’s Market


Trader Joe’s is a store with a nice feel and strong market going for it. Sort of halfway between the more “intense” health food stores and the more common supermarkets, Trader Joe’s focuses on friendly, proprietarily-branded natural foods and produce, and they’ve got some redeeming features that will make you want to stop by here every so often.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $$
Average overall convenience: ***
Average overall friendliness: :) :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: nice selection of apples, pears, bananas, citrus
Berries: fresh and are usually ripe and always available
Tree Fruit: decent peaches, apricots, persimmons when in season
Avocados, Tomatoes: usually ripe and fresh at a decent price
Fresh Dates: cheap medjool dates are some of the best around
Lettuces: best array I’ve seen of cheap pre-washed lettuces and sprouts
Yams/Potatoes: two or three pound bags are cheap classics
Frozen Fruit: good peeled/chopped frozen mangos, pineapple, berries
Bulk: nice selection of raw nuts/butters, unsweetened dried fruit for travel
Organics: fair amount of organic selection, especially greens and herbs

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Grapes: clamshells only (not available in quantity by pound)
Melons: honeydew and cantaloupe are overpriced for size
Papayas, Mangos: and other properly ripe tropicals are really not here
Pineapples: same price as larger ones in other stores
Exotics: rarely different selections each time you come
Vegetables: small prepackaged only, not available by pound
Winter Squash: often only prepackaged, not so fresh

Review #2: Whole Foods Market



Infamously known as a culprit of high-end prices, and sometimes called “Whole Paycheck” by some foodies and supermarket connoisseurs, Whole Foods is still a place I love dearly for many other reasons. One thing’s for sure: It lives up to its promise and matches quality with its pricetag. You’ll find the best organic selection here undoubtedly.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $$$
Average overall convenience: ***
Average overall friendliness: :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Berries: they’re the freshest I’ve found and worth the money 100%
Tree Fruit: when in season, they’ve got their tree fruit selection down
Papayas: if they have them in, they’re oddly good and not too expensive
Exotics: Whole Foods would be a candidate for figs and other less-seen fruit
Avocados: if you need good avocados now, the supply for your demand is here
Tomatoes: lots of heirloom varieties and always look attractive and ripe
Lettuces: sold by “each” (con) but just too varied and fresh to not include
Vegetables: really excellent kale, collards, and every other root or shoot
Winter Squash: precut or not, every kind in season, top-notch quality too
Yams/Potatoes: if you’re into these, they’re delicious, varied, and affordable
Frozen Fruit: extensive selection including peaches, cherries, bananas, etc
Organics: hands down the widest selection of organics of any supermarket
Bulk: also an asset here: every nut, seed, bean, or dried product out there

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Standards: they have them, but they’re not as cheap and are the same!
Grapes: also usually good, but almost twice the price of other stores
Melons: honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon not so hot overall
Mangos: rarely, if ever, ripe, and exorbitantly pricey (except springtime ataulfos)
Pineapples: small most of the time and not justified for price or ripeness
Fresh Dates: same as dry ones in other stores at higher price

Review #3: Standard Supermarkets (Wegmans, Safeway, etc)




These are your standard, go-to supermarkets that are found all around North America and the Western world. They vary in name and quality but usually share some similar features, especially in terms of their produce. Not as bad as they’re cracked up to be, especially by some authors or experts who demonize anything supermarket-related. Remember: It’s what you buy and eat, not necessarily where you buy it, that matters for health!

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $ to $$
Average overall convenience: ***
Average overall friendliness: :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: you can count on very fresh apples, oranges, pears, and great bananas
Grapes: some of my best grapes come from normal supermarkets, and cherries too
Berries: decently priced and decently ripe, just make sure to try before you buy
Melons: melons vary always but are relatively high-quality from these supermarkets
Papayas: when they have them, as long as they’re yellow, they’re decent
Pineapples: best place to buy pineapples (especially Wegmans, large for only $3)
Avocados: depends on the store, but there’s a good demand for these here
Tomatoes: standard selection of beefsteak, cherry, grape, roma tomatoes
Lettuces: largest variety of bagged lettuces and decent per-pound heads too
Vegetables: especially Wegmans has really beautiful whole and cut vegetables
Winter Squash: have a variety of whole and chopped squashes year-round
Yams/Potatoes: plump, tasty, and available in bags or by pound year-round
Frozen Fruit: should be able to found a nice selection of sugar-free frozens
Bulk: with the natural food industry growing, supermarkets have upped their bulk

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Tree Fruit: most of the time ridiculously overpriced or just old, unripe
Mangos: except for occasional summertime red mangos, they’re fibrous and unripe
Exotics: they may have some sort of for show, but they won’t be worth the price
Fresh Dates: may be out near bulk section but mostly dried, pitted variety only
Organics: you’ll find some, but mostly just baby lettuces, carrots, apples, lemons

Review #4: Bargain Supermarkets (Pathmark, Aldi, etc)



Keeping to the traditional supermarket layout but catering to a more tight budget, these stores still offer a nice variety of produce that can be a welcome resource if you are looking for good deals and a solid place to buy fruits and particularly vegetables. Not much in the way of natural packaged products, but the demand is growing, so keep these on your radar.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $
Average overall convenience: **
Average overall friendliness: :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: very cheap and easy to find, same standard reliable stuff
Grapes: usually decent and cheap (on sale), sometimes only $0.99-$1.49/lb
Pineapples: gonna be your standard Dole pineapples but better prices
Tomatoes: especially in summer are very cheap, sometimes even local
Lettuces: by pound or bagged is available, not too varied but pretty good
Vegetables: very nice! large selection, good for cruciferous and root veg
Winter Squash: in whole form only usually but tasty and reasonable
Yams/Potatoes: good place to buy these, cheap and long-lasting

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Berries: rarely even present and if so, very overpriced and fringe
Melons: sometimes not present either, and if so, not ripe or overpriced
Papayas, Mangos: rare to find, but may have some okay Mexican papaya
Exotics: not the place to go for these, little to no market for them here
Avocados: sometimes okay, but usually smaller and either hard or rotten
Frozen Fruit: not going to find many or any sugar-free frozen fruits
Fresh Dates: most likely only have packaged, pitted/chopped dates
Bulk: not going to have selection of raw nuts, seeds, or other products
Organics: little to no market for these either, maybe some apples or carrots

Review #5: Bulk Wholesale Clubs (Costco, BJ’s, etc)



These stores are great for bulk deals and large shopping trips, especially for the experienced fruit eater. However, selection can be inconsistent and you will need to pay a membership fee to shop, but it usually doesn’t exceed $40-60 per year, so it’s worth your while. I highly recommend checking out Costco in particular for mangos, grapes, and lettuce.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $ to $$
Average overall convenience: ***
Average overall friendliness: :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: available in box or large bag quantities for a good price always
Grapes: some of my favorite grapes come from Costco, in 4 lb clamshells for cheap
Berries: great for large quantities of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc
Tree Fruit: when in season I can grab some great deals on peaches and plums
Melons: these will be generally of nice size, quality, ripeness and price here
Mangos: ataulfo mangos at Costco are the reason I joined, best product there!
Pineapples: larger-sized variety are available consistently in quantity for fair price
Tomatoes: Costco in particular has an amazing array of fresh ripe tomatoes
Yams/Potatoes: boxes available for bulk buyers, so no buying per lb of these
Fresh Dates: they may not be fresh per se, but are cheap, large, and still with pits

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Papayas: rarely if ever see papayas and if so, ripeness is lame and price too
Exotics: no market for them here, you will only find traditional familiar produce
Avocados: bags of 4-6 of them are cheap but often hard as a rock or total mush
Lettuces: you will find good romaine and spring mix, but that’s about it (no red/green leaf)
Vegetables: they can be good quality but are very inconsistent and only bagged
Winter Squash: rarely if ever see these here, and if so, only butternut pre-chopped
Frozen Fruit: haven’t investigated it much, but assuming there’s only some berries
Bulk: unless you want 6-packs of standard cereals and granola bars, none here
Organics: pretty much non-existent except for maybe some organic bananas

Review #6: “Super” Stores: (Super Target, Walmart, etc)



Well-known national general store chains like Walmart, Target and (I believe) KMart have stepped up to develop a line of “super” stores in the past decade or so that carry a full line of groceries and fresh produce. While they may not have the most variety, these stores are oases (sometimes the only place around) for many Americans and can definitely be considered as you go about your produce shopping.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $ to $$
Average overall convenience: ***
Average overall friendliness: :) to :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: pretty good oranges, bananas, and bags of apples (chopped or whole)
Grapes: consistent supply of usually clamshelled green and red grapes
Berries: also consistent supply from reliable growers with good ripeness
Pineapples: almost always available and at a nice price actually
Tomatoes: tomatoes are one of the better vegetables that you’ll find here
Yams/Potatoes: bags of Idaho or russet potatoes as well as some sweet potatoes
Lettuces: lots of prepackaged salad mixes but also some heads and packs
Frozen Fruit: surprisingly good yet still semi-limited selection of berries, mangos, peaches

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Tree Fruit: hardly ever would find any peaches, plums, or persimmons, let alone ripe
Melons: may have a few cantaloupes and honeydews for fun, but lower quality
Exotics: little to no market at all for exotics, only going to find regular stuff
Avocados: in smaller availability and usually under or over ripe and pricey
Winter Squash: going to be very sporadic and seasonal and lower variety
Vegetables: prepackaged mostly, not a particularly great place to source these
Fresh Dates: never seen any good quality dates at these stores at this point
Bulk: you may find a few Larabars or nut butters but not much in the way of bulk
Organics: it’s amazing they even have produce, not gonna find organics much

Review #7: Produce Junctions and Other Produce Markets

If you’re looking for clean-cut, primped produce that is carefully arranged with that polished look, you’re not going to find it at these bare-bones produce markets. But don’t despair, their deals on fruits and vegetables can be very refreshing, so it’s easy to forgive the lack of atmosphere and enjoy fresh quality from a high turnover rate, and a possible resource for bulk or wholesale-quantity deals if you get to know the owners.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $
Average overall convenience: *
Average overall friendliness: :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: very cheap! I’ve seen the best deals on apples, pears, etc here
Grapes: either by pound or pre-bagged, you can count on finding good grapes
Tree Fruit: particularly peaches and nectarines are usually available
Melons: if they have them, they tend to be on the better side and larger
Papayas, Mangos: inconsistent but when they have them, good enough to make “pro”
Pineapples: on the cheaper side and going to be the same also
Exotics: good places to find rarer fruits and vegetables for cheap
Tomatoes: if you’re a tomato lover, get your fix at produce markets
Lettuces: I love to find cheap, sometimes local head lettuces here
Vegetables: lots of great peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, mushrooms, etc
Winter Squash: abundance of whole squashes and pumpkins here in autumn
Yams/Potatoes: usually by the pound, you’ll find some great tubers here

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Berries: inconsistent and probably over-priced if even available
Avocados: can be okay, but in my experience either hard or rotten
Frozen Fruit: I’ve yet to find frozen fruit at any of these stores
Fresh Dates: I’ve yet to find fresh dates either, may be dried/sugared
Bulk: most produce markets don’t even have bulk stuff, and if so, it’s limited
Organics: especially if you want organic greens, they’re not common here

Review #8: Independent or Family Grocery Stores


Many small towns and cities alike have a significant market for food shopping in the way of independent grocery stores that vary in size, price, and quality, but are still worth looking at, especially if it’s all that’s close to you. These may include gourmet or health food stores, but also just local family-run supermarkets with small but usually well-kept produce sections.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $$ to $$$
Average overall convenience: **
Average overall friendliness: :) :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: sometimes the best part of these stores, always well kept
Grapes: grapes will be nice and fresh hopefully but may be a little more per lb
Berries: berries are almost always present with good quality reliable brands
Tree Fruit: when in season, peaches and nectarines appear here consistently
Melons: melon selection should be pretty nice, particularly watermelon
Avocados: avocados are usually ripe or able to be ripened easily here
Tomatoes: nice selection of traditional varieties like beefsteak and cherry
Lettuce: clean, organized selection of lettuces including packaged varieties
Yams/Potatoes: should be a decent place to buy these at a good cost per lb
Fresh Dates: I’ve often seen fresh or at least high-quality medjool dates here
Bulk: you may well find some of your favorite bars, nuts, and other products here

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Papayas, Mangos: most small grocers don’t understand how to sell/ripen these
Pineapples: going to be smaller and less consistent, probably double price
Exotics: little to no market for these here, so you will not find them most likely
Vegetables: can be pretty limited and not worth your while for bulk buys
Winter Squash: may have a few for show but most likely way more expensive
Frozen Fruit: no market for stocking sugar-free cut fruits, so look elsewhere
Organics: may have fringe items like apples or carrots but not many organics

Review #9: Asian Markets (Chinese, Korean, etc)


Asian markets are usually bustling and quite fascinating places that cater to an impressive variety of Asian cultures and cuisines. They are a sight to be seen, but keep in mind that you may encounter challenges with language, product familiarity, or just standards of cleanliness or pretty much anything you consider “normal” for a grocery store.

However, vendors are usually knowledgeable and will help you if you are clear and attempt to show interest if there’s a language difference. Asian markets are especially exciting for exotic fruit lovers like me who will hunt for hours and learn Chinese or Thai if it means durian or rambutan for dinner!

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $ to $$
Average overall convenience: *
Average overall friendliness: :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Tree Fruit: usually very good! peaches, persimmons, plums, loquats very popular here
Melons: melons are another favorite in Asian cultures and are decently sized/ripe
Mangos: your best bet is champagne mangos which are another favorite and cheap
Exotics: AMAZING! the only place for durian, rambutan, mangosteen, lychees, etc
Vegetables: very interesting part of shopping here, lots of cabbages, roots, etc
Winter Squash: also great selection usually with kabocha squash and others

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Standards: they will have them but they are usually of poor quality overall
Grapes: I’ve never gotten good grapes here, always very chalky and seedy
Berries: same thing with berries, it’s very hard to come by good berries here
Papayas: papayas are not popular in East Asian cultures, may be in Thai markets
Pineapples: same pineapples and they’re usually smaller and less ripe
Avocados: avocados are not popular either, and are non-existent or overpriced
Tomatoes: tomatoes are usually very under-ripe (almost green) or low quality
Lettuces: very questionable, sometimes full of sand/grit and not worth the effort
Yams/Potatoes: not the best place for these though you may find some
Frozen Fruit: most likely not sugar-free, but you may find frozen durian pods!
Bulk: non-existent, and if so, very old and not what you’d be looking for
Organics: non-existent from what I’ve found over the years

Review #10: Hispanic Markets (Mexican, Caribbean, etc)


Hispanic markets usually resemble a combination of traditional produce markets as well as an admittedly pretty cool-looking selection of beans, rice, pastas, chilis, spices and frozen or packaged products (along the lines of Goya). Their produce can be very good but can also be poor, largely depending on the turnover rate and if it’s well-kept and well-featured. A great place especially for papayas, mangos, avocados, tomatoes, and vegetables.

FIGURES
Average overall price range: $
Average overall convenience: * to **
Average overall friendliness: :) :)

PROS
Most redeeming features about these stores:

Standards: their bananas and oranges should be good, may have plantains
Grapes: grapes are usually good quality and fair prices, varied
Melons: melons, particularly watermelons, should be cheaper and riper here
Papayas: best place for papayas, and you may find several ripe varieties
Mangos: mangos in season here are cheap, ripe, and delicious almost always
Pineapples: pineapples are going to be standard but may be cheaper
Exotics: another candidate for some rarer fruits like guavas or weird citrus
Avocados: these guys love their guacamole! you’ll find a lot of ripe, good avos
Tomatoes: tomatoes should be delicious here, and most likely very cheap
Vegetables: cool to find some new vegetables from various cuisines at cheap
Yams/Potatoes: you’ll find these, plus interesting roots like ñame or taro
Bulk: bulk is good for beans, rice, spices, etc but not so much for nuts/seeds

CONS:
Most likely not worth it if you’re looking for:

Berries: going to be harder to find and most likely overpriced or acid unripe
Tree Fruit: not the place for peaches, plums, apples, pears, or cherries really
Lettuces: questionable quality, may be dirty and not worth the $0.50 you might save
Winter Squash: they might have a few squashes but probably not much overall
Frozen Fruit: rarely ever have frozen fruit (except in sugared or juiced form!)
Fresh Dates: dates would be non-existent here or only packaged and pitted
Organics: pretty much unheard of in these markets, may have some apples

Summary: Best Stores for Each Category of Produce

As you will notice, each of the fresh produce categories appears both in “Pros” and “Cons” sections depending on the store. That’s both a beauty and a burden of shopping for fruits and vegetables: You’ve got to shop around to get the best of all worlds if you want a variety of good quality items. It’s what keeps it exciting, but is also sometimes a pain.

No need to worry, though, as you can just narrow down what is most important to you and focus on that. For me, it’s large quantities of tropical fruit and other satisfying fruits like grapes and stone fruit, so I head to the bulk clubs and produce terminals as much as possible.

Your focus may be different. Random examples: vegetable lover (definitely head to Whole Foods or produce markets), McDougall dieter (regular supermarket for potatoes and other starches), or banana- and date-eater (cheap supermarket for discount bananas and bulk).

Here are the best places for each category, tabulated for easy reference:

Standards: Almost anywhere, particularly standard and produce markets
Grapes: Standard supermarkets or Costco
Berries: Whole Foods, standard supermarkets
Tree Fruit: Asian markets, produce markets
Melons: Standard supermarkets, Costco
Papayas: Hispanic markets, Whole Foods
Mangos: Hispanic markets, Asian markets, Costco
Pineapples: Standard supermarkets, Super stores
Exotics: Asian markets, Whole Foods
Avocados: Hispanic markets, Whole Foods
Tomatoes: Produce markets, Costco
Lettuce: Standard supermarkets, Whole Foods
Vegetables: Bargain supermarkets, Whole Foods
Winter Squash: Standard supermarkets, Produce markets
Yams/Potatoes: Bargain supermarkets, Standard supermarkets
Frozen Fruit: Whole Foods, Super stores
Fresh Dates: Trader Joe’s, Costco
Bulk: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s
Organics: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s

So there we have it.

Which one wins for me? For fruit, probably Costco or produce markets. For greens, probably Wegmans or Whole Foods. Thanks for reading and I hope my nerdy habit (read: obsession) of spending hours at supermarkets over my years has proven useful to you and that you will be inspired to shop smarter and buy in bulk to reap the benefits of fruits and vegetables in your life.

Also, if you were curious, I hope this has been helpful to understanding how I would personally shop when I‘m at supermarkets, as I get many questions on this topic when people find out what my diet looks like. So guys, this is what I do when I walk into the produce section of a regular supermarket if anyone was curious.

If there is one thing to take home from this article, it’s to know your prices and BUY RIPE FRUIT! By voting with our dollars to increase demand for quality produce, we can really make a difference and help co-create a world that is ever more supportive of health for everyone.

Question of the day: How do you source your food? Do you have any favorite fruits or vegetables?

Continue to Part 2 (for Once You’re There): How to Buy Bulk Fruit at Regular Supermarkets


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
Follow me on Twitter @BrianonHealth to stay in the loop!

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Health-Care is Self-Care: On Longevity, Disease, and a Healthcare Solution

April 23, 2012 by Brian Greco Health Topics 3 comments...

The word “healthcare” sets off a variety of thoughts, images, politics, decisions, and more for just about everyone these days. Healthcare is a vital aspect of society that seems to call for a complex approach to take into account the needs of an individual for support at each step of human development. But does it need to be so complicated?

My opinion on the issue is that we ought to take personal responsibility of our health. All of us have the power to “occupy ourselves” through making good choices every day, instead of looking towards the government or other people to hold our hand or take blame for our problems. This is a simple idea and something I have spoken on for many years, but I believe it needs to be more seriously considered as a part of a healthcare solution.

My motto is Health-Care is Self-Care. Our best bet is to look to the wisdom of our past and choose to be healthy through a healthy lifestyle. Let’s explore two important areas of interest that factor into health creation: longevity and disease prevention. This will hopefully help illustrate this point with practical applications for everyday life as well.

A Fresh Perspective on Longevity

Longevity is also a very controversial topic and something which I believe is often misunderstood. So many sources contradict each other when discussing what we ought to focus on to live healthy and into old age, so here is a down-to-earth take on staying well for the long run and getting the most out of your time and energy.

First off, it is my opinion that the importance of genetics is way exaggerated in modern Western society, especially on the topic of longevity. So many people these days hold to the idea that a code of As, Ts, Cs and Gs holds their predetermined fate and decides their level of health. All I can say is, good luck to you!

Yes, it’s true that genetics have an effect on things like early development, appearance, bodily tendencies and how things work precisely within your unique self. But what’s more relevant to the average person is an understanding of the responsibility we have in creating good health and activating those longevity genes through lifestyle (diet, exercise, personal care, etc).

Rather than getting caught up in uncontrollable worries like our genes, always remember that you are responsible for your own actions and, if you are reading this, you are not doomed to a short life or very bad health simply because of the genetics you inherited. It is time to switch our focus away from the computer screens and data tables and more to our own daily choices.

Just because the scope of medical knowledge is larger than it was years ago does not mean we are automatically better off in health. While there have been notable improvements from the medical community, I wonder, are we just learning more about little minutiae and losing track of the simple wisdom of our ancestors? They seemed to be doing something right.

If you take good care of yourself, good health will be your gift to enjoy. With this in mind, one might wonder why longevity statistics have still improved in general in the Western world as compared to, for example, those of 100 years ago. Why did people die earlier back then? Here are a couple reasons I came up with.

Why Did People Die Earlier Back Then?

First, there were more daily dangers and accidents. While I can certainly not offer first-hand experience on the dynamics of living in the early 20th century, I am sure you can read any source or ask any elderly person about when they were a child, and they’ll say that times were rougher than they are now.

There is no doubt that the infrastructural safety standards for everyday tasks such as driving, shopping, outdoor activities, and soon have greatly improved over the years. Combined with better building regulations, materials, and engineering technology, the risk for accidents (one of the largest causes of early adult and child death) has been greatly reduced.

Second, there was a more inconsistent supply of needs. One aspect of modern living that makes us quite fortunate is the availability of basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, education, and other human services. (Taking a minute to give thanks for how fortunate we are knowing that not all people have these things.)

And in addition to this, we’ve seen an overall decrease in poverty-like conditions in the Western world since 1900 as our example year. Even the average middle-class citizen did not have the availability and variety of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables or other local farm-fresh products consistently. Daily needs which ensure a long, healthy life were, in general, just not as widely ensured back then.

Third, life standards or value of life has increased. All in all, those who live in developed society are in a good position to live a long time on this planet. Today more than ever we value the lives of others on the whole and do not see the average person rabidly raging around town killing people with knives, or on a lighter note, have to do dangerous or very arduous tasks that will potentially severely decrease someone’s life span.

So what’s the bigger picture? I want inspire people to be their own doctors, and take some time to think things over and invest in their health. By making good diet and lifestyle choices (such as eating a diet of whole natural foods and getting enough exercise, sunshine and social support), we can enjoy happy, productive, long lives together.

Disease Prevention

Let’s continue with our idea of healthful living in the context of disease prevention, which is an important part of longevity for humans. If we focus on the idea that health comes from healthful living, we can turn this statement around and conclude that disease must then come from unhealthful living (in most cases).

Disease is a tricky thing, but even if we can’t pinpoint the exact causes of someone’s condition, we can still accelerate the healing process by giving health-promoting conditions to the body. We must free ourselves from the powerless “victim” approach to sickness and begin right away to not only stop causing a disease but also start causing health.

To illustrate this concept with an example, let’s take a look at a minor health problem that many people suffer with: indigestion. What should we do? We’ll examine two ways that are most commonly used to handle the situation, and then move forward and summarize another approach that can help you solve this problem and others on your own.

The medical model would approach the issue of indigestion something like this: You are experiencing discomfort in the form of gas, bloating, and constipation. How can we alleviate these symptoms? It’s simple. Just take one of these laxatives with breakfast each morning and it should help do the trick in no time. Not your style? Those who go au naturale would most likely opposed to this method.

Alright, so the naturopathic model would go something like this: You are experiencing discomfort in the form of gas, bloating and constipation. How can we alleviate these symptoms? It’s simple. Ginger is a natural laxative that will help ease your digestion without artificial ingredients. Add some in with breakfast each morning and it should help do the trick in no time. Maybe a little better, but I’m still not so sure it’s the best route to take.

Why? Because although the means is different, the method is the same. Strictly speaking, when you compare Western medicine to natural medicine, there isn’t as much of a difference as one would think. Bottom line is that medicine sees disease as symptoms. With tests and studies, they may aim to explain the problem, but really what they’re answering is how, not why.

Both methods above strive to attack and suppress individual aspects of sickness isolated one by one. But in aligning ourselves with nature’s workings, we must consider the whole picture to establish wellness. Fragmented thinking will only manage disease because it fails to remove the root cause and stop the problem at its source.

I recognize and applaud the fact that many schools of holistic medicine are now better understanding the importance of prevention of disease through lifestyle habits. However, their ongoing attempt to find new ways to medicate problems once they already exist is what most strikingly parallels conventional practices.

If you think about it, what is prevention? Prevention is lifestyle practice that seeks to maintain good health. However, in medical systems, what is said you need to get healthy is different than what you need to stay healthy.

For example: Take this herb if you’re sick, but don’t if you’re healthy, it won’t do anything. Or even worse: Take this pill if you’re sick, but don’t if you’re healthy, it may be harmful.

But I wonder, how does the herb know when you’re sick? How does the pill know when or if to attack? Examined critically in an average situation, it doesn’t make sense. There are no contraindications for living healthfully, because in essence it is always right to do the right thing, and two wrongs won’t make a right.

Creating a Health-Promoting Environment

Let’s place emphasis disease prevention, but also apply these same healthful practices if disease alleviation is needed. In other words, to respect that what you need to stay healthy corresponds with what you need to get healthy. It’s the kinds and quantities of the normal, necessary elements of health (food, air, water, sunlight, rest, etc) that are adjusted to the needs of the individual for their specific circumstances.

All in all, in order to create the optimal healing environment, we must keep to what’s healthy only. Normal good choices that are specialized to the needs of a person help removes the cause of disease and give the proper conditions to accelerate the healing process without a need to scrutinize over details.

Nature has programmed you to survive and is active inside you constantly. We possess the amazing ability to self-maintain and self-regenerate at a cellular level if given the chance. When we take out the bad and put in the good, the body will usually take over from here.

We are only human, and we make mistakes. Sometimes the body may need a little boost, but you might be pleasantly surprised at how well adapted this machine we’re running truly is. We are so brimming with opportunity and potential, so my hope is that we can channel our knowledge of life into building health with intelligent choices that support us, instead of hold us back from where we want to be.

I understand that disease can be a very sensitive thing. This article is a just a start, and I do not intend to oversimplify this issue. Of course, life-threatening situations should undoubtedly take advantage of modern developments, such as in the case of accidents, surgeries, and other emergencies. But honestly, in an average scenario, I am against the use of drugs and conventional medical practices for a few reasons.

Why I Am Generally Against the Use of Drugs

First, most of the time drugs are actually adding to the problem, whether that be adding strain to the body, or just getting in the way of its ability to clean the cell environment. When we are sick, we certainly do not need unnecessary stress, especially in a crisis situation where the body should prioritize energy for healing, not the management of unwanted substances.

And second, even if a drug or practice does what it says it does (for example: thin the blood, kill a certain bacterium, etc), this action almost always doesn’t get to the root of the problem, and usually just causes harmful side effects. Adding something that does not culture health to an already existing state of bad health does not make the most sense to me when there are better options. If something doesn’t help the body, it simply uses up excess energy that could have gone towards health processes.

To summarize what I mean, here is a quote from one of my favorite thinkers, Thomas Jefferson. He definitely was way ahead of his time: “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

So there we have it.

The take home message here is to own your actions and recognize that you alone are in the driver’s seat when it comes to your health. The situation may not always be perfect, but it costs little to nothing to go outside and get your exercise, fresh air, sunshine, social support, or to opt for your fruits and vegetables and a drug-free lifestyle. This is truly what shines through as your keys to bypassing healthcare and disease concerns.

Question of the day: What are your thoughts on healthcare and longevity? How do you work to keep up your health?


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
Follow me on Twitter @BrianonHealth to stay in the loop!

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I Was Wrong, and That’s Okay

March 3, 2012 by Brian Greco News 6 comments...

Hi everyone and welcome back! I hope all’s been well these past couple months. During my winter hiatus I’ve been learning, growing and changing and I’m excited to bring you a whole new chapter with Brian on Health 2.0.

I’ve been thinking how I want to turn over a new leaf with my website and have a lot to write about. So today I decided to just share a little entry I thought up (as I was eating these delicious champagne mangos from Costco) about some new of the new perspective I’ve recently brought into my life.

I Was Wrong, and That’s Okay

by Brian Greco

  • I used to think that doing the opposite of everyone else, or being different just to spite society, meant that I had beat the system.
  • I used to think that proving others wrong, and memorising arguments to defend myself, was the way to establish my ground.
  • I used to think that being the strictest with my diet, or eating the fewest foods, meant that I was the truly healthy one.
  • I used to think that getting the most attention, or attracting the most subscribers and followers, meant that I was valued.
  • I used to think that having the most fancy things, or raking in the most cash online, was a sign of true success.
  • I used to think that saying I didn’t care, or that I was too good for what other people did or thought, showed that I was cool, confident and collected.
  • I used to think that always focusing on ME and MY desires the most was my fast-lane to living the life I dreamed of.

I was wrong, and that’s okay. Learning and changing is a part of the human experience that I am finally embracing.

  • Now I see that it’s good and useful to be different sometimes, but my world is pretty damn good, and it’s okay to chill and join the fun.
  • Now I see that clarity and healthy debate is necessary, but I no longer feel the need to defend myself in order to attract acknowledgement.
  • Now I see that having standards for health can be worthwhile, but there’s no benefit in locking myself in a box or living a limited life worried about food.
  • Now I see that community support is important, but just because I made the most noise didn’t mean I’d gotten quality, but rather mere quantity.
  • Now I see that nice things and a solid income are still what I want, but my mind is no longer constantly racing over material wealth.
  • Now I see that no, backing out and giving the finger to the world doesn’t show that you’re strong, it shows that you’re giving up and are not the “cool one”.
  • Now I see that making goals and working towards them still holds true, but it can’t get in the way of participating with others in the real world.

I hope that you’ll respect the new me just as I respect you unconditionally. If what I’m saying makes sense to you, cool! Let’s be friends. And if what I’m saying turns you off, that’s cool too, but it looks like I don’t need to feel held back by you anymore then.

My rule these days is to eliminate anyone who doesn’t appreciate me like I appreciate them, and instead focus on true blue friends. There are 7 billion people in this world. I don’t need to waste my time on those that bring me down instead of lift me up.

Anyone got a problem with who I am? That’s your problem mate, not mine. Keeping it real because that’s the only way that works for me. It’s out with the old paradigm and in with the new! As you’ll see I freshened up the site and got rid of old material that no longer serves me.

Thank you for reading and please click “like” or share below if you at all resonate with it. I officially invite you join me as I embark on a new and exciting journey, this is just the beginning!

I have lots of new articles, videos, tips, interviews and book ideas in the works and can’t wait for what’s to come. :)

To close with a quote from the Tao Te Ching:

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”

Brian Greco

Question of the day: What is something new you’ve learned that you’d like to share? What are you excited about?


Brought to you © by Brian Greco
Follow me on Twitter @BrianonHealth to stay in the loop!

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