...a grocery list.

Before we get cooking, we have to get shopping! 


I know you've ALWAYS wanted to know what we keep in our pantry and fridge, and I am here to make that dream come true. Of course our list changes from week to week, but these are items we always have handy. That way, no matter if it's dinner or snack time, we are prepared with the right ingredients for a healthy, delicious meal. 

For the most part, our kitchen is stocked with whole, unprocessed foods. There are a few exceptions below, but we make sure to select the least processed choices possible.  This means items with the fewest ingredients, and more importantly, ingredients you can pronounce. Later posts will certainly go into more detail about why, but for now, let's get shopping!

Fruits and veggies are a huge part of our diet- as they should be! They are chock-full of vitamins and minerals, add tons of flavor to any meal, and are super easy to prepare (some are even grab and go!). I'll be highlighting each of these in various posts and recipes, but for now, just stock up!

• Apples
• Artichoke Hearts- usually canned. Just make sure there isn't added salt or sugar!
• Arugula              
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Bell Peppers
• Blueberries
• Corn- also, usually canned. Same rule with the sugar and salt!
• Jalapeños
• Lemons
• Limes
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Strawberries
• Spaghetti Squash
• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes
• Pico De Gallo - Luckily our grocery store sells individual size containers of Pico- ranging from mango to black bean & corn to medium or hot. Of course, it's cheaper to make your own, but these are so easy and such a quick way to add lots of veggies and flavor to most meals. I'll take that trade-off.
• Romaine Lettuce
• Watermelon
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

FROZEN: 

For certain items, we opt for frozen over fresh. As long as there isn't anything added (think sugar or salt), these contain the same amount of amazing nutrients as their fresh counterparts- plus they last much, much longer.

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Fruit- we like to make lots of smoothies and dessert around here, so we always have several bags of frozen fruit in the freezer. I prefer berry mixes, and Alan loves a tropical mix with mango, pineapple, and banana.
• Green Beans
• Leafy Greens: another smoothie component for me. I like the Dole "Power Green" mix of spinach, kale, and chard, but any frozen spinach or kale will do!

Meat & Dairy

Being a vegetarian or vegan isn't the only way to be healthy. If that is the lifestyle you choose, then hats off to you! But for me, I think animals and their products are just too darn tasty to live without. But as they say- everything in moderation. 

• Cheese- if you know me at all, you know cheese is my hands-down favorite food. But make sure it's worth the calories! Get real cheese, where cheese (and maybe cultures) is the only ingredient.
• Chicken- breasts, usually a big bag we can stick in the freezer and pull out pieces as needed.
• Eggs
• Egg Whites
• Greek yogurt- plain, 0% milk-fat. Again, fewest ingredients as possible (perhaps just cultured non-fat milk).
• Ground Beef- the leanest there is! (96% lean)
• Mahi mahi- fillets, again usually a big bag we can freeze.
• Milk- Technically, the kind we prefer isn't dairy. I like vanilla almond milk, or the almond/coconut blend. Get everything unsweetened to watch the sugar.
• Shrimp- frozen, de-veined and no tails. (makes it easy!)
• Turkey- also, the leanest we can find. (99% lean)

*Remember, with any frozen meat, to check the ingredients. Avoid as many additives as possible, and always check the sodium content.

Grains, Legumes, & Nuts

If you're like me, the first thing (after cupcakes) you give up on a diet is bread. But it doesn't have to be this way! The right grains (whole grains) are a great source of protein, fiber, and much more!

• Black beans- canned or bagged. Just make sure there isn't anything added!
• Chia Seeds
• Chickpeas
• Ezekiel Bread- found in the freezer section, it's made out of sprouted grain so there is no processed wheat.
• Peanut Butter- check for added sugar. Choose the jar with just peanuts and oil.
• Pistachios
• Quinoa
• Whole Wheat Pasta- choose your favorite shapes! We go for rotini and angel hair. And follow the same rule as the tortillas below.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas- remember, the fewer ingredients, the better! Also, make sure it's whole wheat flour, not enriched wheat flour.

Herbs, Spices, & Other Essentials

• Balsamic Vinegar
• Basil
• Butter
• Chili Powder
• Cilantro
• Coconut Oil- unrefined.
• Coffee
• Cooking Spray
• Cumin
• Dark Chocolate Chips- the more cacao the better. And of course- less is more with ingredients.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Garlic Powder
• Honey- natural.
• Onion Powder
• Oregano
• Red Wine- the most essential of them all.
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Salsa
• Salt
• Soy Sauce
• Stock- low sodium chicken and beef
• Pepper
• Popcorn- wasn't quite sure where to put this on the list. But if you're like me, or Olivia Pope, this IS an essential. Aim for air-popped!
• Vanilla Extract

Well, that seems like more than enough to get started. I'll see you back here in a few days- for my debut recipe. Now, get shopping!

Stay Happy & Healthy,

Molly

PS: Pro tip- stay on the outside of the grocery store as much as possible. The freshest, most natural ingredients are along the walls in most supermarkets. The further you go into the store, the more processed the products.