Bringing Back the Fun in Grocery Shopping with PC Guiding Stars

Bringing back the Fun

I used to adore grocery shopping. Slowly strolling through every single aisle, stopping to look at an interesting new product, trying and experimenting with new and different foods, with a focus on healthy and fresh options. And I didn’t have a shopping list, nor any planned ideas for what I would do with all that food. It was almost like a hobby.

Flash forward several years. While my passion and interest in cooking healthy food for my family is still strong, my time is so limited, that I’m often flying down the aisle, grabbing what I think is good for us, and rushing home to prepare it. The joy is gone.

But, I’m excited to say that there may be a chance for me to get it back through the PC Guiding Stars program. This is a program that features a scoring system that allows you to identify which food choices are better for you.

What is Guiding Stars?

It is a food rating system based on scientific to assign a 0, 1, 2 or 3 star rating.

That means, there is specific criteria based on important items like vitamins, fibre, added sodium and sugar. It tells you how much good vs. how much not so good is in the product. It is designed to help you make healthy choices.

How does it work?

Simply put – more stars = better for you. One star is good – three stars is great. Like anything in life, you can’t be perfect all the time, but if you are aware of your choices, chances are you will make the right decision when you can.

Also, PC has gone to the experts to determine this ranking system, working with two of Canada’s leading nutrition scientist, so you can feel good about this program.

Here’s another way it works. Interested in purchasing oatmeal? Well, the good news is oatmeal mostly is good for you – but guiding stars helps you determine which one if the best choice for you. I will be purchasing the two star ranking on my next visit, as I like to convenience of prepackage instant oatmeal, and two stars feels good to me.

Where can you find Guiding Stars?

Pretty much everywhere in Canada including my favorite, Loblaws. Here is the list of participating retailers.   If you don’t have one, be sure to pick a PC Plus card it up during your next grocery store visit – it’s worthwhile!

As a PC plus member, I receive updates and summaries of how well I do when I shop. Each time I purchase a guiding stars item. This is a nice bonus feature that lets me keep track and rank my progress.

How can my family help?

I’m always looking for ways my family can contribute to our healthy eating choices. This is a great way to encourage them to help make choices, by being able to select foods that they may like and that are ranked with stars.   This will save me a lot of time scanning and reading ingredients (and having to find my reading glasses every time – the font is so small on those packages!)

Look for the Stars

Did you know that over 25,000 products have been rated for Guiding Stars? That’s pretty amazing. I was happy to learn that my family’s favorite snack- pistachios, gets a three star ranking- search your family faves at the Guiding Stars Food Finder page.

For a quick summary, check out this quick video that tells you more about what Guiding Stars is, and you will get the picture. She tells you important things like – why no stars? Whole grain pasta gets three stars? Yup. You think you know, but it’s nice to have a little help.

My Challenge

I’m really excited to continue look out for Guiding Stars products, because healthy nutrition is important to me. I’m thrilled that my favorite grocery store is making it easy and simple for me to make better choices for my family. I’m looking forward to seeing my results improve as I become more aware of the Guiding Stars.

Go check it out today and start making better choices for you and your family.