Grocery shopping and I have a love/hate relationship. Carrying things from store to car to apartment can be a pain, but I enjoy my time while in-store. Taking my time to read labels, comparing quality, and let's be honest - people watching ... makes what would ordinarily be a chore, fun!
I was in desperate need of groceries and finally restocked yesterday. Freezer food and dry goods sufficed for quite some time as I've been traveling the Midwest each weekend. Pet peeve, buying food and it going to waste while I'm gone - heartbreaking!
But I will admit, these have been the best few weekends in a row I've ever had. Wine festivals, family visits, stand up comedy show, and a wedding. We were in no shortage of shenanigans! Obligatory photo montage:
We felt pretty spoiled, able to spend so much time together!
Losing focus, back to groceries! I thought it might be interesting to share what I threw in the cart yesterday.
Produce
Apples, avocados, red peppers, romaine lettuce, baby bella mushrooms, small red potatoes, tomatoes on the vine, red onion, white onion, golden nugget and sweet dumpling squash (so tiny and perfect for one person!), cucumbers, and lemons!
Frozen
Spinach, black berries, and peaches (smoothie heaven!)
Canned (Gotta make that turkey chili!)
Great Northern beans, black beans, corn, Meijer organic tomato paste, clams, black olives, no salt added Meijer chicken broth, and water chestnuts
Dairy
A dozen eggs, Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened milk, Fage greek yogurt, Light and Fit yogurt, and Brummel and Brown yogurt-based spread
Dry Goods
Just Bunches, whole wheat tortillas, whole wheat bread, Meijer brand rice cake snacks (you're right KD, they're delish!), and popcorn kernels
Protein
Frozen turkey breast, low sodium sliced deli turkey, boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, and center cut bacon (Fun fact! Center cut bacon has less sodium and fat than most, if not all, other bacon advertised as low fat/sodium on the packaging)
Might seem like a lot for one person, but the only thing in the fridge was a water pitcher and mustard...YUM! Dry goods I do have in stock, used in conjunction with the above, are foods like brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds.
I cannot stress enough to read the labels! Just because something says it's "whole wheat" doesn't mean it's healthier by default. Check the ingredients. If the first thing your read is "refined" or "bleached" put it back on the shelf. Your "whole wheat" is a lot less whole at that point. Remember the bacon fun fact? That goes for pretty much any food in the store. Be careful, low in fat? Probably high in sodium, and vice versa. If it comes down to it and you can't find anything that fit the bill, everything in moderation. For the most part, food only becomes bad for you when eaten/drank in excess.
Grocery shopping might take a bit longer, but you'll be healthier in the long run! Knowledge is power ;) Happy shopping, and eventual nomming.
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