Man follows healthy 5-4-3-2-1 method when food shopping and it’s a game-changer

A man shared the 5-4-3-2-1 method to shop more healthily when you’re food shopping, and it’s such a simple plan to follow during the week when you’re super busy

If you’re looking for ways to mix up your food shop to make it a little healthier, one man has got you covered, as he tried a 5-4-3-2-1 method, and it’s been a game-changer. When you’re in a supermarket, it’s all too easy to pick up the most convenient things. Maybe you’ll chuck in some bacon for breakfast, and some ready meals for convenience for the evenings – after all, everyone is so busy at work and in their personal lives.

However, this shopping method will really make you stop and think about what you’re putting into your basket and help you to weigh up the health benefits more.

LittyHeem on Facebook shared that from Monday to Friday, his household is trying to be healthier, saying: “Out to eat is for the weekends! During the week, we are eating in [and eating] healthy”.

As he went round the supermarket, he made it clear what the 5-4-3-2-1 method is, and it’s so easy to follow, and will ensure that you’ve got enough good stuff in your cart.

First, the five means you’re going to need to pick out five vegetables you want to eat during the week. He chose a wide variety, from corn on the cobs to florets of broccoli.

The NHS recommends that vegetables should be part of a healthy, balanced diet and can help you maintain good health. It’s important that you eat enough of them.

The four stands for four proteins you can add to your cart. According to Better Health, proteins are made up of chemical ‘building blocks’ called amino acids, and your body uses amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes. They can also be used as an energy source.

Eating a high-protein diet could also help you manage your hunger and cravings, meaning that you’re less likely to snack throughout the day.

The three stands for three fruits in your basket. He opted for watermelon, blueberries, and strawberries.

Fruit is an important part of your weekly diet, as it provides essential vitamins (like C, folate), minerals (potassium), antioxidants, and dietary fibre, which support gut health, boost immunity, and help to manage weight.

The two in the 5-4-3-2-1 stands for two carbohydrates that you’re going to eat throughout the week. Those trying to eat more healthily will like to follow this plan as it makes you think outside of the box for ideas for meals, ensuring that it’s nutrient-dense without relying on too many carbs to bulk it up.

According to Bupa, there are two types of carbohydrates: complex carbohydrates and refined carbohydrates.

Complex carbohydrates include:

• wholegrain bread
• brown rice
• jumbo oats
• wholewheat cereals
• potatoes with the skin left on

Refined carbohydrates include:

• white bread and pasta
• biscuits and pastries
• sweets and cakes

Complex carbohydrates provide your body with a steady source of energy. They release sugar into your blood more slowly than sugary foods and drinks, or refined carbohydrates like white bread. This can keep you feeling fuller for longer, helping to control your appetite and maintain a healthy weight.

In the 5-4-3-2-1 method, the one stands for one snack, which will sustain you for the week. This can be anything of your choosing – because we all need a little treat from time to time, even when we’re eating more healthily.