Take control of your family's health by making better grocery choices

Women = Decision-makers

Of the 18-million female consumer force, 71% are responsible for grocery shopping, while 60% are the primary purchasers with the household, according to Nielsen. This means that most buying decisions are made by women. The Discovery Data Science Lab has shown the significant impact that small lifestyle changes can make such as buying less sugary drinks, confectionary, convenience meals and processed meats, and healthier dairy, fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins and legumes. For women, these are the three nutrients most needed for good health. Increasing or decreasing foods by one item per week over 12 months can result in 3kg of weight loss over one year. That's a whole dress size, honey!

Shopping habits have already changed, most noticeably in the supermarket, where shoppers are buying less alcohol, non-essential items, and luxury treats. Imagine if shoppers prioritised a plant-based diet, which focuses on whole, plant food, and far less meat and highly processed foods? Plus as a Vitality member buying HealthyFood gets you up to 75% cash back at Pick n Pay or Woolworths, and up to 12,000 Vitality points per year.

"Vegetables and fruit are rich in vitamins and minerals, fibre, antioxidants and plant compounds called phytochemicals, which protect against cancer," says Discovery Vitality dietician Terry Harris. "There's strong evidence that links an increased intake of vegetables and fruit with a reduced risk of lifestyle diseases." In fact, with type 2 diabetes, one extra workout a week and spending R2,000 less a year on refined starches, sugary drinks and sweets is linked to a 7.2% reduction in health claims. Conscious spenders provide the best for their families' needs and get rewarded for it too.