5-4-3-2-1: Hacks for Grocery Shopping

Hey friends 👋

Welcome to Wellness Unbound: A Newsletter Where Food, Fitness, Peace & Prosperity Meet.

Life seems to be moving quickly these days, so here’s a friendly reminder to slow down.

Take a breath. It’s officially the first Friday of Summer. We’ve made it.

Today’s newsletter will be a short one. We’ll cover:

🗣 5 Quotes I'm Pondering

🥑 4 Hacks for Grocery Shopping

🎧 3 New Songs I’m Vibing With

🎙 2 Podcasts I’m Tuning Into

🧘 1 Idea I’m Contemplating

Let’s go.

🗣 5 Quotes I’m Pondering

1. "Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness." Lao Tzu.

2. “One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” Andre Gide

3. "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf." Jon Kabat-Zinn

4. “Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased.” J Krishnamurti

5. "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." Alan Watts

🥑 4 Hacks for Grocery Shopping

• Stick to the Outer Aisles: This is where you'll find the freshest & most nutritious options - such as fruits, veggies & meats. By avoiding the center aisles filled with processed foods, you can make better choices & stay on track with your dietary goals. Food companies spend millions a year on advertising… trying to get you to buy their product. I’m a sucker for good marketing, so I try to limit my exposure to well-branded yet poorly made products as much as I can.

• Always Read Ingredient Labels: Taking the time to read ingredient labels is a valuable habit at the grocery store, especially with how much nonsense is being put into our food these days. By scanning the ingredient list, you can make informed decisions about what you're putting into your body. I like to follow a rule of thumb from food-activist Calley Means, and that is - to avoid the “Unholy Trinity”… sugar, refined grains, and seed oils. Instead, aim for products with ingredients that you can recognize & pronounce.

• Shop the Sales: A savvy way to save money at the grocery store is to shop the sales. Keep an eye out for weekly specials, discounts, and promotions on various items. Planning your meals around these discounted products can help you maximize your savings while still enjoying a diverse range of nutritious options.

• Buy Organic, When Possible: While organic foods may come with a higher price tag, it's worth considering them when/where possible. I’ve written previously about the importance of investing in organic agriculture, as it’s grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs. To make the most informed choices, consult resources like “The Dirty Dozen,” which provides a list of fruits & veggies that tend to have higher pesticide residues. This helps you prioritize which items are more important to buy organically. By opting for organic alternatives, you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and support sustainable farming practices.

🎧 3 New Songs I’m Vibing With

Portugal. The Man is known for their eclectic sound— blending genres such as psychedelic rock & indie folk. This new song, “Summer of Luv” is no exception.

The Foo Fighters’ new album “But Here We Are” explores universal themes such as love & loss in the aftermath of last year’s passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins.

The songwriting & musicianship throughout is brilliant and yet again, proves why Dave Grohl is one of the best rock n’ rollers in the business.

“Beyond Me” is a standout of the album, a moving reminder about the fragility of life & love. It’s beautiful to hear the band alchemizing the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins… they even invited his son, Shane Hawkins, to perform with them at a recent Boston Calling Music Festival.

Guess who’s back this week… Matchbox Twenty.

Yep - you read that right. With their first album in over a decade, “Where the Light Goes,” is a solid listen that exudes a sense of aliveness.

The opening track, “Friends,” stands out thanks to inspiring vocals and a subtle feeling that you’re at a live show.

🎙 2 Podcasts I’m Tuning Into

🧘 1 Idea I’m Contemplating

Allow —> Accept —> Embrace

For the past few weeks, I’ve immersed myself in the The Gene Keys— a transformational framework developed by Richard Rudd.

Drawing upon the wisdom of ancient traditions, such as the Chinese I Ching, Human Design, and astrology— this system offers a boundless perspective on self-realization and collective consciousness.

As I continue to dive deeper into this vast well of knowledge, I feel called to share one approach that Rudd proposes: Allow. Accept. Embrace.

How can we allow the things that scare or frustrate us to be with us?

By fostering an open & non-resistant mindset, we can navigate these challenges with grace & curiosity, inviting peace & transformation into our lives.

How can we accept all things - despite how we may initially feel about them?

By cultivating a state of acceptance, we can create space for understanding & compassion, allowing us to embrace the diversity and richness of life's experiences.

How can we embrace all things - and find the beauty within the ugliness?

By embracing the full spectrum of existence, we expand our capacity for empathy, find hidden wisdom, and discover the beauty & interconnectedness of all things.

Thanks for Reading

I’ll see you next time.

Your friend & supporter,

Aidan