3 May 2010
Smarter Stocking Up
I used to go grocery shopping with a very specific list (i.e., “4 chicken breasts, green beans, 1 lb salmon,” etc.). Now, I go in with a much more open mind — and get way better deals! These days, my grocery list looks more like “meat, veg, fish, cheese.” It’s simple, it allows for flexibility, spontaneity, and creativity.
I also tend to stock up on things that can be frozen, like meat and fish, so I can hold off between major shops for longer. My latest haul:
Produce
- poblano peppers
- organic strawberries
- kale
- artichoke (I was inspired!)
- bell pepper
- baby spinach
- red bananas (low-down to come)
Dairy
- Fage Greek yogurt
- local raw goat’s cheddar
- samples of various cheeses including a raw jack, raw munster, and smoked gruyere (each of these were around $1 — a great way to taste new cheeses!)
- cream cheese
Meat (all local/organic/grass-fed)
- flank steak
- 80% lean ground beef
- whole chicken
- pork ribs
- bacon
Fish
- wild-caught lake perch
- wild-caught trout
Misc.
- Tilia malbec (I loved it so much I bought it again!)
- coconut milk
- seaweed snacks (more on these tomorrow)
- Lindt 85% dark chocolate
- Ecover dish soap
- Meyers counter top spray in basil scent (I was so intrigued, I had to try it.)
Total = $156. This shop should last me at least 2-3 weeks, so that’s about right. I used to balk at spending that much on one trip to the grocery store, but it’s so worth it to get quality ingredients. With quality, whole foods, a little goes a long way! I like to stock up all at once because the grocery store isn’t close to where I live, plus it’s nice to have everything (that won’t spoil) on hand.
