Eat fresh and plant your own
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EAT fresh fish and plant some greens such as bele, cabbage and rourou at home.”
This is the advice from Kelera Waqadau to shoppers who added people should practise cultivating on whatever piece of land they have.
When it comes to shopping, Mrs Waqadau says she likes to keep her options open.
“I don't like to stick to one supermarket,” she said.
“I like to check out more than two or more supermarkets for good deals — walking from supermarket to supermarket is good exercise for me too. I've had this canteen for more than 20 years and started off from selling only a few things like biscuits, tuna and tea. As years went by, my husband and I decided to extend our business.”
Mrs Waqadau said if business was good, she would shop three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, depending on sales.
“My grocery items includes biscuits, toiletries, oil, tomatoes sauce, oil, sugar, flour to name a few,” she said.
“My daughter always accompanies me to shop and she always
makes time for me when I need her to help me out with a few things at home. After grocery shopping we walk to the Suva market to shop for vegetables such as eggplant, moca and pumpkin.
“There are a lot of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Fiji and one of the solutions to this is to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and keep away from canned food items. Be mindful of what you throw in your trolley — make a list. I make sure I also shop for a lot healthy foods for my husband who has both of his legs amputated. He had to change his diet so I also had to change my way of shopping. Today, we don't eat much frozen foods like we used to and have opted for more healthier options."
She added the smartest way to grocery shop is to make a budget and stick to it.
“Make a grocery list before you go and you'll be less likely to throw everything and anything into the shopping cart.
“If you're having a hard time deciding what should go on your great list, start by making a food menu for the week. Another tip to note is to shop with a full stomach. It will help you save money."