My Grocery Shopping Protocol
Okay. So let's talk about grocery shopping.
I think everyone needs a grocery store routine. Mine is like a “protocol.” And it's important because without a plan of action, I’ll end up buying the most random, probably unhealthy things.
Like have you ever gone to the grocery store with no plan whatsoever? And soon enough you're checking out with ice cream, frozen chicken tenders, a few protein bars, some bread, and raspberries. I mean it sounds delicious ~cue girls dinner~ but it's not that great…. Grocery shopping like this will not get us to our goals, friends.
So here's the deal. We grocery shop with a plan. And that plan starts with a list. A physical written list, a list in our notes app, or maybe a mental check list (my list is typically found in my notes app, created just moments before).
So here's the tea. Here's what's on my list:
We start in the produce section. Always. And we start with fruit. Any fruit you actually like and will eat is what you grab. And you grab 2-3 different types -because here- we like variety. My go-to fruits change by the week, but recently I've been loving peaches, plums, cherries, strawberries, and tangerines…. Grab 2-3 varieties. 1 package of strawberries, a bag of 4 plums, and a bag of 3 peaches. And we move on.
Next, we stay in the produce section, but our focus shifts. Now I’m looking for produce accessories. There are your lemons, limes, avocados, green onions/ chives, maybe some fun fresh herbs. (my faves are basil and dill). Grab these quickly because they’ll make your meals fun and extra tasty. Maybe grab 2 extra lemons to spice up your morning glass of water ~hello lemon water~ and we move on.
So we yet again stay in the produce section for our veg. When im not in the mood to make my own salads, I will always grab 2 bagged salads. Yes, the pre-made bagged salads. They are delicious and effective. Don't even question it. (unless the lettuce inside looks brown… then question it). I keep my veg purchase relatively light and try to focus more on salads. Just personal preference. Just make sure you buy something green in the quantity of 2-3.
Now, we've made it out of the produce section. We head straight to the protein. Don’t you dare go down the peanut butter aisle yet. What you want to get - LEAN meat. I'm talking about chicken and turkey. Any style you like. Grab 1-2 lbs of it. Next, Grab some LEAN Organic grass fed ground beef. Red meat is not awful for you in moderation. Don’t be afraid of steak and beef unless your doctor told you to be (then proceed with caution). Next, I get eggs, low fat yogurt, and low fat cottage cheese. These are always in my fridge.
Next, we need some grains/ carbs. Here’s what I grab: BREAD. A fresh loaf of sourdough has never done me wrong. I find myself eating toast at dinner A LOT. Another go-to carb for me is back in the produce aisle. Sweet potatoes! They're old reliable. Find your favorite way to prepare them, and go with it. I prefer to cut them into disks/ coin shapes and bake in the oven with olive oil and S+P. I also love making beans/ legumes and I count them as my carb.
After we’ve got our produce, protein, and carbs, we can now circle back and get some fun stuff!!! Here’s a list of the recent “fun” items I've grabbed in the past few weeks to add to meals, or to snack on when I get hungry… Hummus, tzatziki, pita bread, olives, chunky peanut butter, salsa, guac, tortilla chips, Koia protein drinks, spindrift seltzers, chocolate chips and yasso frozen greek yogurt bars.
One thing about me and my grocery protocol - I do not restrict myself from anything I crave. I am a recovering choco-holic with a mean sweet tooth, so sweet treats are non-negotiable for me. I fit these treats into my day just like any other piece of food. If you value something and want something, don’t restrict yourself from it. BUT, always prioritize real, nourishing, tasty food.
Your goals will come if you keep your body and mind as healthy as can be.
In Conclusion… The Grocery Protocol is as follows
Produce. Different types of fruit and veg that you will actually eat.
Protein. Chicken, turkey, lean meat, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese.
Nourishing Carbs. Fresh bread, potatoes, beans/ legumes.
Fun Items. Foods that are weekly non-negotiables for you. We’ll work together to learn how these fun, delicious foods can fit into your everyday life.
Thanks so much for reading My Grocery Shopping Protocol!
Follow along on my socials to keep tabs on what my grocery shopping looks like in real life. I can’t wait to keep sharing more!!!
