A New Way to Shop and Eat

A woman named Halona had a big change in her life. A few years ago, in 2018, she moved to a new country called Thailand. Before that, she lived in America.

In America, she bought a lot of food at the store all at once. Her cart was full of big bags of frozen food and cookies. She did not always feel her best.

When she moved to Thailand, she saw new things. She went to open-air markets. These are like stores outside with many tents. At the market, she met farmers who grew the food. The food was very fresh! She saw bright red tomatoes and green leafy vegetables. The food was picked when it was ready to eat, which is called “in-season.”

At first, Halona bought too much fresh food, just like she did in America. But fresh food does not last a long time. Her fruits and vegetables would go bad quickly. She learned a new way. She started shopping more often, about two or three times a week. She only bought what she needed for the next few days.

Halona began to cook simple, fresh meals. She made big salads with lots of colors and yummy soups. She walked and played outside more. She felt happier and healthier. Over seven years, her new habits helped her body feel much better.

Now, Halona loves her new way of shopping and eating. She buys food when it is fresh and in-season. She cooks just enough for herself and her friends. She learned that taking care of her body with good food and fun movement makes her feel great!

Vocabulary Words

Fresh – Newly made or picked; not old or spoiled.
Market – A place where people buy and sell things, like food.
Season – A time of year (like spring, summer, fall, winter). “In-season” food grows best at that time.
Healthy – Good for your body; helping you feel strong and well.
Habit – Something you do often, almost without thinking.

Comprehension Questions

When did Halona move to Thailand?
A. Last week
B. In 2018
C. When she was a baby
D. In the winter
Where did Halona buy food in Thailand?
A. In a big, frozen food warehouse
B. At open-air markets
C. From a cookie factory
D. In her car
What did Halona learn about fresh food?
A. It lasts for months in the fridge.
B. It is always very expensive.
C. It goes bad quickly, so don‘t buy too much.
D. It comes in big, frozen bags.
What kind of meals did Halona start making?
A. Only cookies and cakes
B. Simple, fresh meals like salads and soups
C. Very complicated recipes
D. The same meals she made in America
How did Halona’s new habits make her feel?
A. Tired and sleepy
B. Happier and healthier
C. Hungry all the time
D. Sad to leave America