Happy Monday!

I have received many requests for a look at my grocery staples/a typical grocery trip. I hit up our new Whole Foods on Sunday morning for a pretty big restock so I thought it would be the perfect time to photograph what I purchased and share it with you. I actually really enjoy going to the grocery. Yesterday I grabbed a cup of coffee and spent a good hour shopping – I like to take my time. I always evaluate all of my options as far as what produce looks best, what meat is on special and compare different brands/prices/etc. You may want to check out a post that I wrote in the early days of the blog about how I meal plan and grocery shop for the week.

I do not do all of my shopping at one store. I typically do the farmers market on Saturday and then supplement that with groceries from Harris Teeter, Earth Fare, Trader Joe’s and now Whole Foods since ours just opened. I probably do one big Trader Joe’s trip per month to stock up on all the staples I like there but I can never do all of my shopping at that store. I make a weekly trip to Harris Teeter, Earth Fare or Whole Foods. Yesterday’s Whole Foods trip was a little more holistic than normal because I couldn’t make it to the farmers market Saturday and needed to restock on quite a few things.

Figs – beautiful and on sale! I will use these in yogurt/oatmeal and also with dinner. I think I’ll make chicken with a fig sauce.
Lacinto Kale – I always buy at least one dark leafy green. Usually rainbow chard, spinach or kale.
Bananas – weekly staple!
Balsamic vinegar
Yogi Green Tea Kombucha – love this during the afternoon at work
Coffee
Frozen Chicken Apple Sausages – for breakfast, brunch, scrambles, etc.
Great Northern Beans – always keep a selection of beans in pantry
Pumpkin Cinnamon Dog Treats – Sullie needs snacks too!

Dates – for snacking and baking
Walnuts
Dried cranberries
Plain Greek yogurt – I prefer Fage but they were out
Nutritional yeast – in the brown bag from bulk
Taco seasoning – this was kind of an impulse buy…wanted an MSG-free version to have on hand
Eggplant – for a coconut green curry that I’ll make later this week
Dijon mustard – mainly for use in vinaigrettes
Avocado
Green curry paste
Tofu – for the coconut curry
Local cage-free eggs
Wild caught Alaskan salmon
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
North Carolina peaches
Plums
Brie

So there you have it. I am going to stop by the farmers market tomorrow to pick up some tomatoes and probably a little more fruits and veggies but what you see above will easily get me through a week of good eating. Especially when supplemented by pantry staples and freezer items.

I was starving when I got home from Whole Foods so I got busy making brunch. I was in the mood for something more savory than sweet. I spotted a potato in the produce bowl on the counter and was inspired to make a hash of sorts.

I diced a yukon gold potato and sauteed it in a cast iron skillet with olive oil, salt and pepper until it was golden brown and tender. I served the potatoes with a sprinkle of cheese over a bed of sauteed spinach and added a perfect egg and a chicken apple sausage. It was a delicious brunch than held me through a very long day involving over four hours on the road and three hours in a hospital. Lots going on right now. Positive energy and thoughts are appreciated.

I arrived home around 8:45, stepped out of my street clothes and into running clothes, threw on a reflective vest, grabbed Sullie and knocked out three miles. It was a necessary relief for a day of sitting + stress relief. I ate a bowl of reheated pad thai for dinner and then passed out.

What are some of your staples? Let me know if you have any questions about meal planning and grocery shopping or about my staples. I will share a few more grocery trips so you can see how things vary.

Have a wonderful week!

*Don’t forget to enter the SOYJOY giveaway. You have until midnight EST Monday to enter!