Grocery stores have become a hotbed for fear and uncertainty, here's a grocery list to bring you clarity and joy
Before the world turned upside down, one of my favorite things in the world to do was grocery shop.
I don’t know if it’s because I love to cook and am a health enthusiast or if it’s my California soul that vibrates every time I step foot in a farmers market.
What I do know is that amid all that’s going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, grocery stores have become a hotbed for fear, discomfort and uncertainty.
The empty shelves, all of the people with covered faces, not knowing what we’ll be able to get, etc. can weird you out real quick, on what should have been a really routine activity.
If you follow my instagram account, then you know that each week, on Saturdays, I make a giant shopping list for myself for the week ahead. I start from scratch each time, after studying my fridge and pantry. I get detailed, enjoy using emojis, and sometimes opt for a hand written version so I can make notes to myself in the margins about all the ideas for recipes that I want to try.
I did this for myself this past weekend, despite the fact that I knew there would likely be a ton on there that I wouldn’t be able to find. But I am glad I did it because when I walked into the grocery store and through the markets, I was able to focus on what I was there for instead of tripping out about the chaos around me.
The list pulled me into my favorite aisles, a lot of which were bright and colorful and still well-stocked. I went from feeling anxious and weary to energetic and optimistic in an instant.
Yes, a simple little list made me feel a whole lot better.
So I am going to share it with you, because I suspect all of us are feeling a bit on edge when we set out for the grocery store lately.
It’s a common sense list, in that it reflects my dietary preferences and lifestyle - most, if not all items are plant-based whole foods. You can use all of it, cherry pick what works for you, or just use it as inspiration to create your own.
I also want to encourage you not to go overboard when you shop right now.
For starters, stores are being restocked and there’s no need to hoard food - we’re all better off if we’re not taking from others.
You’ll notice that this list contains a lot of fresh produce. Under normal circumstances, I prefer fresh produce. Coincidentally, that’s all I’ve been able to get as the frozen food aisles have been decimated before I arrive.
Either way, I eat what I can from what I buy, and freeze what I don’t eat within a week. This is good to remember in the event that you’re not able to find the frozen produce you’re looking for.
The rest of the list is dry goods such as canned foods, legumes, grains, pastas, nuts and seeds, etc. and some refrigerated/frozen meatless protein options.
This list was created to give you clarity and joy - not stress or anxiety. It will help ensure that you’re able to make all of the green smoothies, power salads, nourishing soups, stews and soups, and flavorful sauces and dressings that you want!
Enjoy it in good health!
FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND HERBS
leafy greens (some combination of chard, spinach, cabbage, romaine, kale, etc.)
cabbage
bell peppers
fennel
mushrooms
asparagus
zucchini
onions
carrots
celery
potatoes (white and sweet)
garlic
ginger root (for sauces and dressings, liquid tonics)
turmeric root (for liquid tonics)
avocados
lemons
limes
bananas
apples
oranges
fresh cilantro
fresh basil
fresh dill
fresh parsley
fresh mint
*I like a variety of vegetables, as I tend to make a lot of salads, soups, stews and bowls.
PANTRY/DRY FOODS
vegetable broth
chickpea pasta
white basmati rice
lentils
split peas
black beans
chickpeas (for salads, or plant-based meatballs and faux tuna)
diced tomatoes (for homemade salsas and marinara sauces)
almond flour
seeds (hemp, chia, flax, sunflower, sesame)
nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts)
dates
protein powder
peanut butter
almond butter
tahini
apple cider vinegar
avocado oil (spray)
oats (for cooking, energy balls or easy breakfast)
hu gem chocolates (for baking, or to snack on)
REFRIGERATED AND FROZEN FOODS
nut or seed milk
cheese (violife is my current favorite for shredded cheddar and mozzarella, and feta)
cheese spread (blodekuh, made from cashews and contains cultures, is my favorite)
tempeh
tofu
kraut (natural probiotic)
kombucha (natural probiotic)
frozen cauliflower rice (to pair with dal, or put in smoothies)
frozen zucchini spirals
kelp noodles
edamame
