Makelesi recognizes the significant role that healthy shopping plays in ensuring her family’s well-being. She often reflects on a guiding principle: “The food you buy is the food you eat,” which motivates her to fill her pantry and refrigerator with wholesome ingredients, simplifying the process of preparing nutritious meals.
She believes that healthy eating is most effective when combined with other positive lifestyle habits. This includes engaging in regular physical activity, getting sufficient rest, and staying hydrated—simple yet crucial steps towards better health. Although she does not adhere to a structured exercise regime, Makelesi stays active by walking daily to her classes, which seamlessly integrates movement into her routine.
With rising living costs, she emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning to maximize every dollar spent without sacrificing nutrition. Makelesi advocates for meal planning to minimize wastage and save both time and money. She also recommends cultivating a garden for growing vegetables, an effective strategy that can lower grocery expenses while ensuring a supply of fresh produce year-round.
Her grocery shopping typically occurs on a bi-weekly basis with her husband, where they visit various supermarkets like CJS Supermarket and Shop N Save, although they prefer Extra Supermarket for its extensive selection of products, ranging from local Fijian items to international brands at reasonable prices.
They sustain a weekly budget of around $50 for fresh fruits and vegetables, prioritizing health-conscious decisions despite rising food prices. Makelesi emphasizes the importance of being discerning shoppers, urging others to read labels and understand the nutritional content of their purchases, which helps in making informed choices that safeguard their families’ well-being.
Her dedication reinforces a broader movement observed in the community, where individuals prioritize fresh, local produce to foster healthier lifestyles while economically supporting local farmers and markets. This lifestyle not only diminishes grocery expenses but also enhances access to nutritious food, promoting resilience within the community’s food system.
Ultimately, Makelesi’s story is a hopeful testament to the impact of mindful shopping and healthy eating practices. As more families adopt similar approaches, there is a collective movement towards enhanced health and sustainability, enriched by the understanding that small, conscientious choices can build a more robust and nutritious future for everyone.