And America's Healthiest Grocery Store Is?

You're probably muttering, "Scrooge" under your breath now, but I'm not going to tell you in a headline who won the title of America's Healthiest Grocery Store by Health Magazine.

I'm not surprised, really. This store has just about everything you could need in terms of organic products, from prepared food to canned goods, baking mixes, toiletries and more. I can easily get lost in there for hours. Note to self: make sure not to get the frozen or dairy goods first. On a recent trip there, I had to buy an insulated bag so they stayed at the correct temperature. Now I just have to remember to take it with me next time!

Yes, I like Trader Joe's, too, and will go there for certain things (especially now that I know the TJ's in Ann Arbor is right down the road from Whole Foods Market, which officially has been named America's Healthiest Grocery Store). One of the things it's touted for is clear labeling of what's in its prepared foods. If you don't know what to do with that tofu or quinoa (pronounced keen-nwah, incidentally), you can get help from Whole Foods' extensive recipe database.  

Critics will say it's expensive; that may be true, but what's your health worth to you?

Shopping Review: Trader Joe's Market

A few years ago, a former coworker brought in some beautiful red peppers and hummus. When I asked her where she got them, she said "Trader Joe's; that's where I do most of my shopping."

Think of Trader Joe's as a decently-sized specialty market minus the specialty prices. While it doesn't have the extensive stock of Whole Foods Market (which is both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on how pressed for time I am). It does feature a bit of everything without being a megastore. While I enjoy both Whole Food Market and BetterHealth Market (more on that later), I find that, when I'm in a hurry to grab something to eat on the run, and there's a Trader Joe's in the neighborhood, it's my choice. It includes some heavenly healthy choices, including some wonderful meats, vegetables and fruits.

Unfortunately for me, the closest Trader Joe's to Milford is just south of Eight Mile on Haggerty. That means I don't get there often. If I'm on my way home from the area before 9 p.m. (which, I believe, is closing time), I usually make it a point to go there and get some of my favorite things. The great thing about TJ's is that I can do a quick shopping job there in about 15 minutes!