The Grocery Essentials: Part I
I find it pretty astounding when I see people grocery shopping and being so indecisive. Did they just decided that they are low on food so why not go to the grocery store and see what they have? This morning I saw one woman look at yogurt for 4 minutes and 32 seconds (yes I really timed) before buying 3 cups of Yoplait fat free yogurt. What was going through her mind? Maybe something like, “Well, I heard on ‘Doctor Oz’ that I should get Greek yogurt because it is better for digestion…But last time I tried it, I didn’t like that there was so much real fruit in it, that is gross. Not to mention there is so much sugar in there (looking at the fruit versions). I will go with this low carb Yoplait stuff with Splenda in it instead!” All of this, while she had, no joke, ice cream, a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch (although an epically great cereal) and bagels in her cart.
You need to go into the grocery store with a plan the likes of attacking the Death Star. Have a list of what you NEED, not what you want.
Anyways, that being said, here are what I consider to be the grocery essentials.
1. Lean Beef: I am a HUGE fan of the 96% lean burgers. Quick, convenient, and most importantly high in protein, low in calories, and taste awesome!
2. 50% Salted Almonds: A great on the go snack and essential for Greek Yogurt concoctions.
3. Egg Whites: The first ingredient in every omelet. Also great for many protein bars recipes.
4. Frozen fruit Vegetables: Unless you are going to be using those fruits/vegetables within three or four days of purchasing them, you would be much better off buying frozen. I have written about it before, “The best tasting frozen vegetables are spinach, green beans, and broccoli. Frozen fruits and vegetables are almost always fresher than those found in the produce section because they’re flash frozen the day they were harvested.”
Here is a video from way back where we make some protein smoothies with some frozen fruit:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8898469779304423273
In the wise words of Charles Poliquin:
“Egg whites are for dorks.”
Why do you use egg whites when there are so many great nutrients in the yolk of the egg? In fact, why do you use products from feedlot animals at all? The nutrient profiles are a million times better when the animals have been humanely raised, fed a natural diet, and haven’t been given hormones. Plus there’s the whole ethical issue. Eating products from animals that have been raped and abused is not exactly moral. This post would have been a lot better had you recommended people get their animal products from the local farmer, not the grocery store
Kev,
How about you expand on this list a bit? Of course its your (well supported with scientific evidence) opinion, but what about snacks, on the go items, or things you can make a complete meal with? This could become a fun page!
Also, what are your thoughts on the ABSDIETPOWER foods from Men’s Health?
Love the death star analogy. Laughing.
I am surprised how much mileage I continually get out of what Trader Joe’s carries (for relatively little cost.) I would add raw chicken breasts, bags of baby spinach, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and avaocados can be remade into virtually any lunch/dinner combo just by changing up the seasonings and a couple supporting items. Frozen shrimp as well. I also like beef or buffalo jerky and nuts for “on-the-go” – and am now seriously addicted to the salt and pepper pistachios at Costco (Kirkland brand.)
Raw almonds are the way to go. Mix them with some salted dry roast peanuts and some raisins and it’s a seriously satisfying snack. Even plain, raw almonds are mighty tasty.