Happy Sunday, friends. This weekend was filled with delicious food, plenty of ice cream, time with friends, watching the Colorado Classic, exercise, and a nap. It was busy and productive, and I feel prepped for the week ahead. That said, I’m certainly counting my blessings. It’s been a tough weekend for many Americans. From my small corner of the world, I’m sending love and hope to those who need it. May we continue to peacefully fight for the equality of all people, both here in the U.S. and around the world.
Now, onto our grocery store haul. Every weekend, my husband and I pick up our weekly staples as well as any ‘extras’ we’ll need for the week. We either do this at the grocery store and / or the farmers’ market. For the most part, we stick to a list and try not to deviate. We look for what’s on sale and what’s in season. We don’t buy outrageously expensive chips or tortillas just because they’re trendy (well, at least we’re getting better about it). Cost-effective grocery shopping is where it’s at.
These days, the way we eat is different than it was a few months ago. Due to preferences and lifestyle changes, we eat mostly plant-based at home. No labels, no diets, but we tend to gravitate towards limited meat consumption. Now, that isn’t to say we don’t buy meat, but we’re particular about where it comes from.
For example, we always buy pasture-raised eggs. Yes, they can be more expensive. But, things like cage-free, all-natural, organic, and free-range are all up for debate. Research shows that a farm’s life cycle is tremendously more effective when the chickens can run around and eat grasses, bugs, etc. So, for a variety of reasons, we don’t really budge on things like eggs and the quality of our meat and seafood. There’s no need to consume meat with added hormones, chemicals, or antibiotics, right? If you aren’t vegan, it’s best to purchase pasture-raised, local, and wild meat, eggs, and seafood. This is mostly for sustainability, economic, and health reasons. Oh, and buying local is an easy way for you to support your community’s farmers! You can do this at the farmers’ market or at the store. By doing so, you’re investing in the future of your own health. Win-win.
Along these lines, it’s always beneficial to stock up on local and non-GMO fruits, veggies, healthy packaged snack foods, and grains. That said, we definitely don’t always buy local / organic produce. The dirty dozen and the clean fifteen are helpful guides in making informed choices, though. If you’re concerned about price, buy what’s in season. And, do your research. You can easily find things like protein bars, cereal, crackers, flours, etc. online for much cheaper than in the store.
Also, frozen foods, canned items, and bulk bin nuts / seeds / grains are your friends. It’s important to find a grocery store that has a well-stocked freezer section. That way, you can shop for organic frozen berries, veggies, rice, etc. While you can buy uncooked beans and legumes in the bulk bins, they’re more time-consuming. Canned organic beans / legumes are a convenient alternative. Regarding nut butters and sauces, skip the jarred stuff and make them at home (unless we’re talking Sir Kensington’s). You’ll have the added benefit of controlling pesky additives like oil, salt, and sugar. You just need a blender or food processor on hand.
Lastly, if you’re looking for meal prep assistance (or need a few pointers for navigating the grocery store), let me know! I’m now taking on health coaching clients and would love to help you make healthier, more informed choices. I’m not one to advocate spending a ton of money on groceries. You can absolutely eat well on a budget, and I can show you how. For example, everything we purchased in these photos cost slightly north of $100. We went to Sprout’s, one of our favorite grocery stores. These items will cover food for two people, and much of what you see here will actually last us more than a week. What are some of your weekly staples? Let me know!
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